Holbek Discovered by kayakers in 1983, although probably first run long ago by native Americans, this is one of the finest expert runs in California, primarily because it flows in late summer when little else is running, and secondarily for its excellent high-elevation granite scenery. The first 1.5 and last 1.3 miles are the most difficult. Down logs are an ever-present danger, sometimes shifting from week to week. Maximum release of the dam's hydropower valve is 600 cfs.
Higher flows result from spill or floodgate release.
Lower flows occur as the reservoir drains down. The best idea is to split the run into two days, camping a bit more than halfway down at Eagle Lakes. See the shuttle instructions for details. A road traverses the top of the structure to some buildings, visible in the photo. It's amazing that a relatively small flow can create such large hydraulics.