The only notable hazard in the first stretch downstream from Dodson Road is a small waterfall. The option of an easy portage is on river left. Below the gauging station, you're likely to become acquainted with the thorns. A bowman can avoid them with prayer and a deft draw. The paddler in the stern might put more stock in armor.
Nature seems to have designed the wasteway with a perfect tan in mind.
The sun shifts left then right, then both again as the channel snakes through the desert. But the lazy nature of the wasteway changes near the gauging station. The channel gets fast and narrow, twisting, rocky, and downright thrilling in the last leg to Potholes Reservoir. The warning for the larger waterfall below the gauge comes mostly from the neck hair bristling against your life jacket. On a calm day, you'll hear the falls and have a leisurely 100 yards to get out on river right.