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Class II+–III+ Rapid · Cataract Canyon

Waterhole

Re-emerged debris-fan rapid at the mouth of Waterhole Canyon. Photographed by Returning Rapids Project at 6,500 cfs.

Also known as: Rapid 30, Waterhole Rapid, Waterholes, Waterhole Canyon

Waterhole Canyon Rapid (Rapid 30) is a re-emerged rapid at the mouth of Waterhole Canyon on river-right in lower Cataract. Documented by the Returning Rapids Project; photographed at 6,500 cfs. Character is shaped by the debris-fan influence from Waterhole Canyon side drainage, and the rapid continues to evolve as Lake Powell reservoir levels and sediment transport shift through the reach.

Difficulty

Class III at moderate flows (documented at 6,500 cfs). Character may shift with ongoing reservoir-level and sediment-transport changes.

Scouting

Not typically scouted at standard flows.

Upstream The Chute
Downstream Gypsum Canyon