By Paul Moreno
REDDING — PG&E will provide high whitewater flows on the Pit 5 reach of the Pit River in eastern Shasta County over two weekends, the company announced today (Aug. 8).
The higher flows will occur Aug. 13-14 and Sept. 10-11. Those recreating in or near this portion of the river are encouraged to use extra caution during the increased flows. This portion of the river contains Class III, IV and V rapids, which are appropriate only for skilled paddlers. The reach is not appropriate for tubing.
Pit River recreationists should use extra caution during two upcoming weekends as PG&E increases whitewater flows. (Photo by Jeff Cook/Spring Rivers Ecological Sciences, LLC).
The Pit 5 Reach is the 9.3-mile portion of the Pit River that extends from PG&E’s Pit 5 Dam and the J.B. Black Powerhouse near Big Bend.
Prior to the increase for Aug. 13-14, flows in the Pit 5 Reach will be about 450 cubic feet per second (cfs). On early Saturday morning PG&E will gradually increase water flows until it reaches 1,500 cfs, before 10 a.m. The flows will be held at this level until about 4 p.m. that day when flows will gradually be reduced to 600 cfs.
The higher flows will be repeated the next day at the same times, then, after 4 p.m., gradually decreased to the normal flow of about 450 cfs.
On the weekend of Sept. 10-11, PG&E will increase flows to 1,200 cfs on both days. As with the previous releases, starting early in the morning the flows will gradually be increased to the target level by 10 a.m. and then after 4 p.m. gradually decreased to more normal flow levels.
The whitewater flows are a requirement of PG&E’s license conditions for the Pit 3, 4 and 5 Hydroelectric Project.
Despite the drought, water flows in the Pit River watershed are near normal as the Pit River is largely fed by springs that steadily release water from large volcanic aquifers, even in dry years.
Due to the high fire danger this year, the higher flow dates are subject to change. PG&E recommends verifying the dates via the PG&E recreation website www.pge.com/recreation/.
PG&E offers the following water safety tips:
- Sudden immersion in cold water can stimulate the “gasp reflex,” causing an involuntary inhalation of air or water. It can even trigger cardiac arrest, temporary paralysis, hypothermia and drowning. When faced with swift water, even the strongest swimmers may be easily overwhelmed.
- Many unseen obstacles can be lurking below the water’s surface. Swift water can make these obstacles even more treacherous. Guided trips for inexperienced paddlers are recommended.
- Recreating in PG&E canals and flumes is strictly prohibited. Stay out of canals and flumes, which are very dangerous due to slippery sides and fast moving water.
Email Currents at Currents@pge.com.