Chippewa, Wisconsin, US

B) Jim Falls (Pnp or up to 1.1 mile)

ELLEN at BIG DROP

ELLEN at BIG DROP
Photo of Ellen M. by Ken S. taken 2005

River Description

Located about 8 miles northwest of Chippewa Falls, at the junction of County Highway Y and Highway 178, this short reach of river is class II and class III pool-drop rapids, requiring intermediate to advanced skill level.
Releases into the original river channel (otherwise substantially dewatered between the dam and Xcel Energy's Jim Falls Hydro Plant) take place for two full months in spring (from April 1st to May 31st, for Sturgeon spawning) when this reach should run a constant 850 cfs, while summer releases (four times annually in July and August during the six year evaluation period) should be 650 cfs.

A sign-in sheet will be posted at the put-in. Please be sure to sign! Records will determine continuity of use of releases at the 6-year evaluation.

To be added to an email list to be advised of each year's release dates, email your request to robert.w.olson@xcelenergy.com.

Increased flows are provided as a result of hydropower relicensing activities undertaken by Xcel Energy in conjunction with the National Park Service (Rivers & Trails Program), Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and local boating groups.

Additional questions may be directed to Angie Tornes at angie_tornes@nps.gov

Some boaters will put in by the dam to have a little 'warm-up' before the main action. However, this upper portion of the reach contains little more than rocks and current, so most paddlers will prefer to put-in at an old bridge midway down the channel where the first real rapids start.

Below the bridge, a mix of rocks and chutes provide a few spots for minor play. There are plenty of 'stealth rocks' (both in the flow and in some eddies) just to keep you on your guard. Reportedly, the summer release flows are somewhat 'thin', so best play may be at the spring levels, when more of these rocks may be more covered.

For additional information, contact Joe Wawrzaszek at Spring Street Sports, Chippewa Falls: 715.723.6616 or by e-mail at sss@charter.net.

Check out the Jim Falls Blogspot for current release schedule, some great photos, and other area info.

A fine 'companion piece' may be the Big Falls of the Eau Claire, which lies just about 15 miles due south of Jim Falls, and about 9 miles due east of Eau Claire, WI.

Check out the following videos (courtesy of "VesperSparrow" and YouTube). The first is at 'normal' (one gate) release, the other is unusually high (three gates) release.