Hazard Warning: Hazard information may be user-submitted and unverified. Conditions change frequently. Always scout rapids and obstacles yourself.
Hazard NH Class IV

Sluice Dam

Warner - Melvin Mills to Warner (NH)

Monitor this Rapid
Gauge Conditions
Warner River at Davisville, NH Downstream Primary
Runnable: 275.0 – 1,450.0 CFS
Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
Sluice Dam
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description
Shortly after Pinball look for a horizon line with a bridge and small buildings on river left. Scout this drop to find the best line. Here, there is the remains of an old mill/dam, there is also evidence here of a newer, yet still abandoned small scale hydro electric project. (NH Dept Environmental Services Dam Bureau ID 243.29, owned by Warner River Hydro). There is a concrete bypass on the far left that leads under a culvert then into the small hydro building. There is another steep narrow concrete sluice (4' wide)on the left. If you run the sluice turn your paddle parallel to the boat to avoid loosing it (or your arms) from the vertical concrete sidewalls. The sluice then drops into a hole and a trashy runout.

Note: As of 2005, there is an extra board in the sluice diverting some of the water to the side channel and making the sluice higher and steeper. A run over the dam instead of the sluice is recommended at all except high levels to avoid bottoming out and damaging one's boat. A portage is recommended for open boats and low and medium levels. Update 3/07: The board in the sluice has mostly been worn away by the river, however the board could be replaced by the dam owner at any time.
Location
Type
Hazard
Difficulty
Class IV
Mile Marker
1.5 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
Melvin Mills to Warner
Warner
IV 5.4 mi
Hazard — Exercise extreme caution. Portage recommended — scout before running.
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater