Planning a run at the end of the month with several rigs. Its everyones first at fordyce, just had a quick few questions that didn't seemed to be covered in any of the other posts.
-Where is the best place to set up camp that a 2wd vehicle can get to, but a good staging area for the trail?
-Any one have a printable map of the area?
-Approximatly how long is the trail?
-Any additional info would help, thanks.

Before you go make sure that you double check the flow rates for that time frame. According to dreamflows, the "recreation" flow rates should start up in a couple weeks here which means you will see flow rates in the 400+ range. I would not take my rig through the creek with rates that high.

There have been vehicle (tow rig) break ins when left at the trail head at Eagle lakes road. Based on that it works well to leave your rig at the Cisco Grove campground. If you plan to run the whole trail it is a short 1 mile trip on 80 to Eagle lakes road. If you head in through Committee then it's dirt all the way but puts you inbetween Wh2 and WH3

You can camp out of there if you like or camp at Meadow lake on the North end of the trail. Meadow lake is nice.

There are maps in recent threads in this (Fordyce) forum that you can print.

The trail is roughly 12 miles long

Tread lightly, pack out what you pack in and have fun.

Based on Ratzburgs post (I forgot about flows) I'd camp at Meadow and do day runs.

Dreamflows (http://www.dreamflows.com/graphs/day.063.php)for Fordyce from the thread above.

I would think that the flows would be the lowest this time of year due to all the snow being melted off and no rain lately. Any guesses on flow rate labor day weekend? Thanks for all the feedback

I would think that the flows would be the lowest this time of year due to all the snow being melted off and no rain lately. Any guesses on flow rate labor day weekend? Thanks for all the feedback


PG&E controls the flow....they are going to raise it in September, check the DreamFlows Site...

http://www.dreamflows.com/forums/flowTopics.php?river=63&name=Fordyce%20Creek%20-%20Below%20Fordyce%20Dam

PG&E shared as follows:

"Here is the preliminary plan and has not been formalized.

8/13 Begin a release of 150 cfs
8/22 Increase the release to 400 cfs
8/23 Reduce the release to 300 cfs
8/25 Return the release to 150 cfs"

Note that the above schedule is the current plan but it's not been cast in stone yet - it could change.

im running an xj on 33's 4 1/2 inch lift. would 150cfs be to much you think for me to cross?

I wonder if the increase in flows on the 22nd and 23rd are pulse flows for the white water rafter/kayak crowd?:shaking:

I wonder if the increase in flows on the 22nd and 23rd are pulse flows for the white water rafter/kayak crowd?:shaking:

I read somewhere it was a "Recreational Experiment".....

From Dreamflows forum...............


chris
Site Admin Posted: Aug 4, 2008

There's been a change of plan. According to my PG&E contact, the new flow regime is as follows. He writes:

"FYI: Update on Fordyce Flows:
8/1 - 8/11 approximately 35 cfs - Sierra Trek Jeep Jamboree
8/11 - 8/12 approximately 35 cfs - Fish Population Field Study Plan Fordyce Creek
8/13 Increase draft to 150 cfs - Fly channel prior to flow change
8/29 Increase draft to 400 cfs - Fly channel prior to flow change
8/30 Recreation Flow 400 cfs
8/30 - pm decrease flow to 300 cfs
8/31 Recreation Flow 300 cfs
9/1 Decrease draft to 150 cfs"

Comments? Remember: this still isn't cast in stone - more changes are possible, though I suspect The Plan is becoming more solid now.

flows just hit 150 a couple of hours ago

I would think that the flows would be the lowest this time of year due to all the snow being melted off and no rain lately. Any guesses on flow rate labor day weekend? Thanks for all the feedback

PG&E has kept Fordyce lake full longer this year than last year because they plan on experimenting on diffrent flow rates later in the year.

Fordyce Creek - Below Fordyce Dam Aug 13
10:00am; 149 cfs; 3.06ft; Data are preliminary and subject to revision

thanks for all the helpful info. I guess well see what that weekend brings us