Winter Water Sports

Winter Water Sports Information:

Shasta Dam:		During heavy rains years, and after several days of steady rain, the level in Lake Shasta can rise in elevation some 8 feet in on day. When this occurs, the Bureau of Reclamation periodically decides to open the "flood gates" -- so to speak -- and releases 44.000 cfs of water down the Sacramento River.

Keswick Dam:		When you add that flow to what is already in the Sacramento River above Keswick Dam, increasing it to 50,000 cfs, you get the most awsome results for kayackers at Caldwell Park in Redding, California.

Surfs up:		This father and son team practice surfing the waves.

		While kayaking the Sacramento in the winter is a chilling experience, it is also very dangerous and the sheriff's department warns against it. Under this smooth water tongue is a diversion dam, which causes these large waves. There are several upright concrete structures and cables stretching across the river. Going under water above this first wave or even below it could be hazardous to your health.

Return to the Burney Falls Magazine home page