Imperial
Largest rapid below the Big Drops. Previously numbered Rapid 25 in older guides before Repeat/Rerun were recognized.
Also known as: Rapid 27, Imperial
Imperial (Rapid 27 per Webb/Belnap/Weisheit numbering; historically called Rapid 25 in older guides) is the largest rapid below the Big Drops sequence — a long rapid with a sustained wave train. Often overlooked by trips decompressing after the Big Drops, but at higher flows Imperial is a significant rapid in its own right. Rapid numbering has shifted across sources: Webb/Belnap/Weisheit's history of the canyon numbers Imperial as 27 because Rapids 25 (Repeat) and 26 (Rerun) occupy the reach between Satan's Gut and Imperial.
Difficulty
Class III+ at moderate flows. Can reach Class IV- at high water with large waves and sustained character.
The water
Character: long wave train.
Features: sustained standing waves; long rapid length.
Scouting
Occasionally scouted at high flows.
