Dallas Downriver Club

Memorial Day Trip

Kiamichi River, Ok

Date: May 28-30 2016 Sponsor: DDRC
River: Kiamichi River Oklahoma Trip Leader: Dale Harris
Reach: Moyers to Antlers Phone: 972-882-0952
Difficulty: Class I depending on water flow                                 E Mail: President@down-river.com
Rendezvous: K River Campground

Required Skills: Flat water with minimal current 

 

RSVP Deadline: May 18, 2016

 

Trip Description:

Due to flooding on the Colorado, we are moving our Memorial Day trip to The Kiamichi River north of Antlers, Ok. This will primarily be a base camping trip, but if there is a group that really has their heart set on camping on the river, we can help you shuttle. The base campers will run day paddles on various sections of the river depending on flow.


Gear Requirements:


Just about any PLASTIC canoe or kayak is ok for the Kiamichi , it can be low and rocky at times, so leave the composite boat home. Since this is a base camping trip, bring whatever you want. There is also a store nearby in case you forget anything. K River has restrooms, showers and hook ups if you want to bring your travel trailer.

 

Directions: From Dallas

Via US 75 N - Take US 75 north to Durant, Ok. and exit at US 70. Follow US 70 east to US 271 north to Antlers. Turn LEFT on OK 3, then turn RIGHT on OK 2 north.  K River Camp is about two miles north of the town of Moyers on the right. 

Alternate via US 75- Take US 75 / US 69 North to Atoka, OK. Turn RIGHT on OK 3 east and follow to Antlers. Turn LEFT on to Ok 2 and follow to K River. 

Alternate Via I 30- Follow I 30 east to TX 24 (eventually merges with TX 19) to Loop 286 outside of Paris. Go LEFT on 286 to US 271 north. Follow to Hugo and either continue on 271 to Antlers turning LEFT on OK 3 the RIGHT to OK 2 

OR take the Indian Nation Turnpike (toll) to the OK 3 exit. Turn LEFT on OK 3 then LEFT on OK 2 to campground.

 







 

* 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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Last updated April 30, 2016 9:16 AM