WHAT IS THE NEW KLAMATH?

The New Klamath is the approximate 45 miles of river that was most impacted by dam removal. This includes sections that were previously reservoirs, were fully or partially dewatered, or experienced artificial peaking flows due to hydropower production. In 2024, we began building a map of the “New Klamath” that continues to be updated as we learn more about this remarkable stretch of river.

IMPACTS BY STRETCH

Keno (Class III+): This is the least impacted section. Keno dam remains and the run is practically the same, but with one big improvement – there is no longer a 1.5 mile flat water paddle out on John C. Boyle reservoir. The new take out for this section will be Pioneer Park West.

Big Bend (Class IV+/V-): Prior to dam removal, the majority of the river was diverted around this section, making it impossible to run. This section would only have adequate water when John C. Boyle dam spilled, which was rare. With John C. Boyle dam removed, the river now flows continuously through this stretch.

Hell’s Corner (Class III/IV+): With the John C. Boyle powerhouse removed, peaking flows are a thing of the past. Trips are no longer burdened with an artificial flow schedule, corresponding peaking flows, and accompanying artificial low flows during non-operating hours.

Beswick (Class II): Same as Hell’s Corner, this section no longer has peaking flows. And it no longer ends in Copco reservoir.

Kickacéki Valley (Copco Valley) (Class II): This section did not exist until Copco 1 dam was removed. It was 100% Copco reservoir and is now run-of-river.

Kickacéki Reach (Ward’s Canyon) (Class IV/IV+): Copco 2 diverted 100% of the river into a pipe that ran to the Copco Powerhouse, thus completely dewatering Ward’s Canyon. With Copco 2 removed, water has returned to the river corridor and Ward’s Canyon is runnable after over 100 years of being dewatered.

Iron Gate (Class II): This section did not exist until Iron Gate dam was removed. It was 100% Iron Gate reservoir and is now run-of-river.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION