Madawaska River Upper
From Whitewater Ontario River Wiki
Contents |
Introduction
This is the hardest section of the Madawaska with some challenging rapids including Little Niagara and notoriously retentive Bear trap. The river is mainly Class II/Class III with some CIV/Class V drops including Little Niagara. All drops can be scouted and portaged.
Access
The Upper Madawaska runs during the spring from ice-out to late May. Access can be hampered by ice/snow on the putin/takeout roads.
Put in
Put in at the dam in Whitney or at the hydro lines. Hydro lines access requires an all wheel drive with high clearance. It cuts out the longest stretch of flat water across Rapid Lake along with Rosy Cozy and Rapid Lake Chutes.
Take out
Take out is at the bridge near Madawaska town.
Rapids
Rozy Cozy III-IV
Large hole at the bottom at certain levels. Easy to avoid.
Rapid Lake Chutes IV
Hermann's Chute IV-V
Numerous ledges and chutes at this rapid, pick your line carefully and stick to it!
Devil's Elbow II-III+
There are three options here. The river left line goes into a big hole, the centre line is a boof line off a 4 foot rock ledge, river right line is also a boof line.
Bear Trap Chute IV-V
The bear trap is a big sticky hole. Safety is a must - a lot of good boaters had to be roped out of it. Although it looks like you need to avoid the big rock below the hole, the best line actually aims close to the rock.
Little Niagara V
This is a class V 15 foot waterfall that is usually portaged.
Length of run
8-10 miles
Water levels
Levels are determined from Bark lake inflow, which combines Upper Mad and Opeongo inflow in proportion ~2:1. All information bellow refers to combined inflow. This is typically a spring run that does not stay up very long. MKC posts levels while they are open here. The OPG release schedule can be used to work out flows can be found here. Click on Bark Lake Dam to get the updated release schedule.
120cms is a good level for the Upper Madawaska. This is typically a spring run that does not stay up very long. MKC typically posts
See also
Madawaska River and Opeongo River Whitewater Guide by George Drought
Let It Rain: The Whitewater Rivers of New England, New York, Quebec and Ontario by ALDEN BIRD
