Button Hole

Also known as: Rapid 18, The Button, Button Hole Rapid

Button Hole (Rapid 18) is the signature feature within the South Seas core of the Mile Long sequence. The name refers to a large lateral hole on river-right that forms at moderate-to-high flows and catches craft that drift off the preferred river-left line. At 25,000+ cfs the hole becomes increasingly retentive; at 28,000 cfs it is often cited as one of the most photogenic big-water features on the Colorado. Part of the high-water South Seas wave train. Button Hole is the signature feature of the South Seas. The 'river-left line' at medium flows is narrow but well-defined; at 25,000+ cfs the river-right lateral hydraulic expands and catches boats that drift off the setup. Webb/Belnap/Weisheit photograph it at ~28,000 cfs for the most photogenic characterization.

Difficulty

Class III at low flows, Class IV- at moderate flows, and Class IV+ at high water. River-left is the standard line; river-right pulls craft into the Button Hole. Consequence compounds because the rapid sits within the Mile Long sequence with limited downstream recovery before Rapid 19.

The water

Character: pool-drop with large lateral hydraulic.

Features: large river-right lateral hole (Button Hole); defined river-left wave-train line; transition into Rapid 19 downstream; part of South Seas high-water continuum.

Hazards: river-right Button Hole retentiveness at 25,000+ cfs; limited recovery zone below — Rapid 19 follows immediately.

How it changes with flow

Low water: Button Hole hydraulic is less pronounced; Rapid 18 runs as a distinct wave-train drop.

Medium: Button Hole becomes a defined feature on river-right; standard line is river-left.

High water: Button Hole peaks as a photogenic, powerful lateral hole. Most memorable at ~28,000 cfs per Webb/Belnap/Weisheit.

Scouting

Parties scouting Mile Long / Capsize from the Range Canyon scree-hill perch get a direct view of Button Hole. Dedicated mid-rapid scouting is rare.