Payette River: Horseshoe Bend, ID

A SOLUTION FOR CONSERVATION,  RECREATION, AND HYDROWER

The Nation’s First Integrated Fish Ladder and Whitewater Course – When a new hydropower plant was proposed on the Payette River, fish passage was required to fulfill the license requirements. The community enthusiastically supported a multiple-use engineering design which would also provide whitewater recreation. The combination was a resounding success and a national first.

A Low Hazard, Maintenance-Free Design – The design for the Payette River “Gutter,” which was developed by principals at McLaughlin Water Engineers, Ltd., resulted in…

  • Predictable holes and waves during flows ranging from 1,300 to 19,500 cfs
  • A successful, seasonal passage for resident trout
  • A whitewater competition venue
  • A robust design which has required neither boulder replacement nor structural maintenance in over fifteen years since its completion

Services Provided – Conceptual and Preliminary Design / Physical Model

For more information on the Horshoe Bend Gutter visit American Whitewater River Info.

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