Sheep Creek III+ V

Gauges

Two gauges are being used, gauge 1 is the Smoky River Hells Creek station (gauge can be used for general area reference rainfall only), and gauge 2 is located on the Highway 40 Sheep Creek Bridge and is painted in yellow on the south support. With the recent floods, this gauge may no longer be appropriate. The bridge is the take out so make sure you know what your getting yourself into.

• 128 m3/s 0.3 class III, approaching lower end of river navigability especially after lower canyon

Put In

Access by driving 8.0 km North on Highway 40 from Grande Cache, then drive 16 km on the Beaverdam Road. Four wheel drive ability is necessary in wet weather as this road can turn into soup when it rains. Put in is at the bridge.

Take Out

Take out is 27 km North of Grande Cache on Highway 40. The road crosses the river at this point. Full day adventure!

Overview

Anyone who has had the pleasure of paddling this world class whitewater run has been left awe struck by its, length, steepness, and diverse water features. This is an all day true wilderness run, with steady class III, IV and a portage-able class V for those so inclined. Perils and pleasures abound with many of the same characteristics as the Fraser River, but to a slightly lesser degree. Holes (friendly and otherwise), ledges, drops, ender spots, and 10-12ft surfing waves clutter this classic adventure run! Solid paddling skills are required to attempt this river in flooded conditions. Come prepared: ropes, carabiners, tow harness, food, water, first aid, etc.

Sheep Creek Highlights

• The Rock Horn Rapid
• Lauzon's Ledge
• The Cauldron
• Class V
• Hidie's Ledge
• Sheep Creek Falls
• The Slide
• 8 to 12 foot surfing waves

Rapid Descriptions

The Rock Horn Rapid

Steep steady class III+ to IV

Lauzon's Ledge

Ever spend forever getting out of a hole? Sneak route on river right, or take the narrow green tongue about 15ft from shore on river left (at very high water there is no green tongue - stay right!).

The Cauldron

Eddy up and grab the zigzag green tongue on river right - stay on your line - nasties on either side.

Class V

A mass of swirling eddylines and boils - undercuts are everywhere as you negotiate your way through an 8 foot strangle. After the strangle you have less than two boat lengths to move into position (either extreme river left or right) to avoid the hydraulic at the bottom of a 15ft slightly slanting waterfall.

There have been few who have successfully negotiated this drop, and usually need rescue support below, be prepared for the worst as there is still plenty of river to deal with downstream.

Hidie's Ledge

Massive river wide inescapable hydraulic - extreme left or right and jump in the eddy. There may be a lot of debris in this ledge so scout and contimplate walking around the drop.

Sheep Creek Falls

Eight foot vertical falls - stay extreme river left or right. There is a challenging hole in the middle that almost always results in a swim if you don't punch through.

The Slide

You'll know it when you see it, big green and -gulp- high (it goes up! It should actually be called the "ramp").

8 to 12 foot surfing waves

Everywhere - grab one - fun, fun, fun!

Journal

Click here to check out the trip journal for this river.

Map

• 83E14 - Grande Cache 1:50,000