Williamson Low Head Dam
River Mile Mark 76.9
River Mile Mark 76.9
DANGER! - USE CAUTION!
DANGER! - USE CAUTION!
The low head dam in the river on the upper end of Williamson is very dangerous to paddlers and MUST be portaged. DO NOT attempt to cross the dam! It creates an inescapable drowning hydraulic on the downstream side.
The low head dam in the river on the upper end of Williamson is very dangerous to paddlers and MUST be portaged. DO NOT attempt to cross the dam! It creates an inescapable drowning hydraulic on the downstream side.
Dam Portage
Dam Portage
The dam MUST be portaged. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS THE DAM!
The dam MUST be portaged. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS THE DAM!
Takeout is on river right along a brown metal pile wall. There is a steep path up to the top of the wall. Hang to river right as you approach the takeout.
Takeout is on river right along a brown metal pile wall. There is a steep path up to the top of the wall. Hang to river right as you approach the takeout.
There are two options to return to the river below the dam:
There are two options to return to the river below the dam:
Option 1 is immediatly on the other side of the metal wall, down a rough "road" and onto some large rocks just below the dam.
Option 1 is immediatly on the other side of the metal wall, down a rough "road" and onto some large rocks just below the dam.
Option 2 goes through a parking lot to a sidewalk that leads under the 2nd Ave bridge, then along the base of the flood wall. Choose any location along the sidewalk to put back in the river.
Option 2 goes through a parking lot to a sidewalk that leads under the 2nd Ave bridge, then along the base of the flood wall. Choose any location along the sidewalk to put back in the river.