Well, I'm not sure I would *always* follow Brandon's advice. But prehaps I misjudged the flow near the bottom, and that it does not crash into the wall. I only stood on the river-right bank anyway.
If it wasn't for that part which I haven't scouted properly, yes I would run it at this level. And many people did run it on Saturday, as John said. Oh well, I missed it, being on the Ottawa at that time.
For the Rouge 'Seven Sisters' section (the run MINUS the 5 waterfalls), 65 on the gauge should be a little easier than the canyon at the level that we ran it last week. Here's my take on the relationship between level and difficulty for the Seven Sisters section:
30: Maximum SANE level for the waterfalls, although some do it up to 40.
40: Pretty much the LOWEST level to have an enjoyable run. As Kelly found out, boulders have a tendency to sneak up on you. Elizabeth's Drop is easy, and despite Paul's opinion, the Washing Machine is fun (and you can sneak through the Drier instead). Below this level, it's like a maze, with rocks to avoid everywhere. The seal launch is high, but you land in slow moving water.
40-80: Many boulders are now submerged, the run is fun and people choose between the Washing Machine and the Drier.
80-100: Many beginners are not running it anymore. Elizabeth's Drop might flip you, and you don't go through the Washing machine (if you can avoid it). This summer, the Rouge Jamboree took place when the level was 85, and the turnout was lower as many less-experienced paddlers elected to stay home that weekend. Still, we ran the river three times in our playboats without (too much) problems.
120: It gets interesting. It's pushy from Slice'n'Dice to the Washer Machine, and the first and last rapids are fully Class III. Still fun in a playboat, but some consider bringing a larger boat.
160: Pretty much the highest I would do this run in a playboat. Large (8 feet) waves form above Slice'n'Dice, big holes need to be avoided and you don't want to go near the Washing Machine. The seal launch is low, but the current is strong there. Better to walk...
Above 160: go to the Canyon section.
Hope that helps!
--C.
