Date: January 25th, 26th, 2014 | Sponsor: DDRC |
River: Kiamichi | Trip Leader: Bryan Jackson |
Reach: see below | Phone: 972-979-2519 |
Difficulty: Flatwater * (See scale below) | E-mail: Bryan Jackson (paddlinpals@yahoo.com) |
Rendezvous: KRiver campground at 9:30 am and launch | Required Skills: Basic winter flatwater paddling and camping experience |
Backup Plan: We’ll cancel in case of high water | Confirmation Deadline: January 18th |
Trip Description:
While it looks as if the flood control and power generation releases will have stopped on the Little River in time for the Polar Paddle this weekend, right now its running at over 7,000 cfs and rising at Horatio.That menas that our potential camping areas will still be water covered or at least still soaking wet by Saturday morning and I would imagine the river still higher than we like for the trip. This should be a great weekend getaway, I know I am looking forward to it. We will have a dutch oven cookoff /pot luck on Saturday evening and the hugest campfire allowed by law afterward. Gear Requirements: Bring boats that are suitable for flatwater to minor Class I whitewater, PFD's (lifejackets), paddles (a spare is recommended), a whistle or other signalling device, throwbag, tent, ground pad, sleeping bag, clothing for cool, cold, wet and dry conditions, camp chair, headlamp, plate(s), flatware, drinking cup, personal toiletries and other items that you may want to have with you. A small cooler for drinks and lunches to be carried in your boat would be recommended. Wetsuits, drysuits with base layers or other water repellant clothing is strongly recommended in the event of cold temperatures. If participating in the Dutch Oven Cook-off, then be sure to bring your oven, charcoal and ingredients. We will have a portable toilet system with privacy tent. Each person should furnish their own toilet paper. Meals: Each person will be responsible for his or her own meals. We will have a Dutch Oven Cook-off on Saturday night, and the fare will be our meal for the night, so if not participating in the cook-off, then just bring a dish (side, dessert, bread, etc.) of some sort to share with the group. Back-up Plans: If weather is not suitable for a trip, then it will be cancelled with no reschedule date. Driving Directions: If you have never been to K River and need directions.... US Hwy 70 East to US Hwy 271, then North to Antlers In Antlers, go North on SH 2 through Moyers, across Buck Creek (one mile past Brittingham Grocery Store on the right) to the top of the hill, then turn RIGHT at the K River Campground sign and follow the road into the campground. From Dallas (Alternate Route): IH 30 North/East to Commerce, then north on SH 24 North on SH 24 through Cooper to Paris North on US Hwy. 271 through Hugo to Antlers In Antlers, go North on SH 2 through Moyers, across Buck Creek (one mile past Brittingham Grocery Store on the right) to the top of the hill, then turn RIGHT at the K River Campground sign and follow the road into the campground. (At Hugo, you can pay a toll and take Indian Nation Turnpike north to Antlers rather than following US Hwy. 271 from Hugo to Antlers.) |
* International Scale of River Difficulty
Class I: Easy. Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight, self-rescue is easy.
Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed. Class III: Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims. Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require "must" moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting is necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong eskimo roll is highly recommended. Class V: Expert. Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to above average endangerment. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is mandatory but often difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is difficult even for experts. A very reliable eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential for survival. Class VI: Extreme. One grade more difficult than Class V. These runs often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. This class does not represent drops thought to be unrunnable, but may include rapids which are only occasionally run. |
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