The area where I live has experienced a lot of rainfall recently and local rivers and creeks are very high. One favorite hot spot is Split Rock Creek, a little-known kayaking gem that offers great beginner whitewater paddling when conditions are right—usually class II – II+ (III)—and typically runs at or below 500 cfs (give or take a few). The recent flooding has pushed it to over 4,500 cfs (that’s nearly 10.5′).
Paddlers familiar with this creek get pretty big smiles on their faces when the water reaches these levels, but novice paddlers should take extreme caution. These levels can toss your boat with ease and there are a lot of dangers that, if you don’t know exist, may put you in serious trouble especially if you aren’t wearing a helmet or spray skirt.
If you ever have the chance to paddle this stretch of river, please go with someone who has paddled it before. It could literally save your life.
Midwest Paddler 
4 comments
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July 15, 2011 at 7:17 pm
Mark Henderson
Since posting this, the river crested at about 11.5 ft.
July 21, 2011 at 11:29 am
Patrick Wellner
Where did you find the names for the two major rapids? I have never heard them named before.
July 21, 2011 at 1:18 pm
Mark Henderson
A handful of SDCK members decided it was time. We through out some names and these stuck. So now that it’s published on the Internet, it must be true! 🙂 You like?
July 22, 2011 at 11:00 am
Patrick Wellner
Works for me.