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Playspot WI Class II

Hanging Willows (HW)

Root - B) Horlick Dam to Quarry Park (0.2 - 0.6 mile) (WI)

Monitor this Rapid
Gauge Conditions
Root River at Racine, WI Upstream Primary
Runnable: 150.0 – 3,600.0 CFS

Too low.

Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
Hanging Willows (HW)
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description

A bedrock intrusion (tight to shore on the right) creates a small pour-over/pocket-wave/hole. At flows of 400-1300 cfs or so, boaters who are confident in their boat 'on edge' may surf and spin this short, narrow hole. You will have to focus on your upstream edge and 'edge transitions' to keep from tripping-up here.

The main feature is center-river to river-left, where sloping bedrock forms a wider, smoother wave. Eddies right and left can be used to thoroughly enjoy this area. Minor, tame play ia possible down to 150 cfs and lower, but it's at its best from 400 to 600 or more. As flows push higher, the center-river wave mostly washes out into a fast shallow wave or just a wave-train. The 'pocket' wave will dish-out into a smooth surf at moderately high flows, before washing out altogether at high flows.

In 2023, the namesake willow succumbed to age and gravity, falling fully across this feature. Its roots and stump remain at river-left, along with some large remnants of branches.

Location
Type
Playspot
Difficulty
Class II
Mile Marker
0.5 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
B) Horlick Dam to Quarry Park (0.2 - 0.6 mile)
Root
II(III) 0.6 mi
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater