Split Rock Creek is by far the best place to go whitewater kayaking that is close to Sioux Falls South Dakota. This stretch we usually take is about 3-5 river miles. It is rated at class I-II (III) rapids depending on the flow rate. A good rate is 750 CFS or more. When you get over 1000 CFS this stretch turns into a class III rapids with swells and standing waves six feet tall. We recommend wearing a helmet for this adventure. Palisades Park has very hard rock on the walls and floor of the river. We usually start north of Garretson South Dakota. If you are driving northbound on Highway 11/485th Avenue from Brandon South Dakota turn right(east) on 5th street right out of town, after you pass the creek turn left(north) on Park Road (you enter Split Rock Park. We usually park and start at the low head dam they have for swimming. From entering the creek to Palisades Park you need to watch out for a couple of electric fences but for the most part it is pretty easy going with about 4 sets of rapids. Now the fun starts once you enter the Palisades Park. Here you will go through longer stretches of rapids and bigger waves and standing walls. And if you have time to look at the view it is most spectacular. Please scout the route around the park to see where you could have issues and where to drop off. You will need a South Dakota State Park permit to enter the Park. We usually end at the swimming area inside Palisades Park since there is good parking and easy to get out. We have gone down further but the water needs to be really high and rapids decrease. With all these suggestions the number one suggest is to be safe. Always wear a life jacket and go with a buddy. A good plus is a helmet, throw bag, and first aid kit.
"Support the Sioux Falls Whitewater Park"
For those of you interested in flow conditions on Split Rock Creek, the Minnesota DNR has a gaging station with telemetry near Jasper, just upstream from where the Split Rock enters South Dakota. Go to this website: http://amazon.nws.noaa.gov/hads/charts/MN.html
ReplyDeleteand search for JSPM5. Click on the DECODED DATA button and select the Graph hyperlink under the HG column. This will show you the water level relative to a datum on the bridge. Although the stage level does not tell you the volumetric flow (that requires a rating curve, which we don't make public), it will at least show you whether or not the river is rising. - DNR Monitoring Hydrologist
We've also started north of the dam. 1/2 mi. west & 1/2 mi. south of Sherman, SD. At 43°45'13.97"N , 96°29'28.70"W It's a gravel road with a cement bridge where the water can/will flow over the bridge. When we were there, there was water (about 2") over the bridge, but once in the creek the water was still a little low, and we needed to scoot through a few spots. However, if the water had been maybe 4" higher there would have been enough to be class I or II whitewater. About 1 mile in, the creek is slowed to flatwater as this is where the dam backflow begins. Also at this point, on the west side of the creek, is where the "Jesse James Cave" is located. It's not easy to find, and you must get out of your yak to find it. The elevation drop in that 1st mile is only about 20ft. The next mile is flatwater to the dam, and likely the most scenic flatwater paddle around. Exit before the dam on the east side and re-launch at the park where the next 2 miles really rock during high flow rates! The USGS has a chart for Split Rock @ Corson. Keep in mind this is AFTER (downstream) the Palisades. http://waterdata.usgs.gov/sd/nwis/uv?site_no=06482610
ReplyDeleteThanks Michael for the information. I thought I had te usgs ratings on here but must have missed it. We always go through palisades when it's over 4 feet. You are the second person to tell me about that road by Sherman. We will most likely check it out this summer when it's over 4 feet and I'll try to get a review and see if it makes a surfing wave.
DeleteThanks for your input. I agree its a good place to start. Nice section.
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