California Creeks - Fordyce Creek

[Bebe]

This is kinda cool...http://cacreeks.com/fordyce.htm

A Coupla spippets:

Fordyce Creek above Spaulding Reservoir


Stretch: Fordyce Reservoir to Eagle Lakes and Spaulding Reservoir
Difficulty: class V with several portages, harder as flows increase
Distance: 7 or 12 miles, 1 or 2 days
Flows: rafts 300 - 600 cfs, kayaks 200 - 600, IK minimum 150
Gauge: reservoir release (Dreamflows)
Gradient: 103 fpm average (150 210 120 80 50 80 110 90 120 220)
Put-in: below outlet from Fordyce reservoir, 6040'
Take-out: boat ramp on Spaulding reservoir, 5010'
Shuttle: 16 miles (1 hour) one-way, 4WD recommended
Maps: USFS Tahoe NF, AAA Tahoe Region, Topo, Topo2, Topo3
Season: summer or early autumn, from dam release
Agency: USFS
Notes: © 1993-2002 Brad Klaas, photos by Darren Cavalli

And their intro:

“Imagine the South Yuba along I-80 without the freeway, without bridges, powerlines, or any human habitation. This is Fordyce Creek.” --Lars Holbek

Discovered by kayakers in 1983, although probably first run long ago by native Americans, this is one of the finest expert runs in California, primarily for its excellent high-elevation granite scenery, and secondarily because it flows in summer when little else is running.

The first 1.5 and last 1.3 miles are the most difficult. Down logs are an ever-present danger, sometimes shifting from week to week. Maximum release of the dam's hydropower valve is 600 cfs. Higher flows result from spill or floodgate release. Lower flows occur as the reservoir drains down, or for Jeep jamborees.

Ten miles of class V rapids and 2 miles paddling across a reservoir makes for a very long day, especially if you are one of those careful (still alive) boaters who likes to scout dangerous rapids. The best idea is to split the run into two days, camping a bit more than halfway down near Eagle Lakes. See the shuttle instructions for details.

Wow ....since 1983.....