12 paddlers, 1-2 swimmers, warm water for mid April. Just happened to glance at AW’s safety page and see

  • Always Wear Your PFD
  • Research the River You Plan to Paddle
  • Avoid Dams

So since it’s come up before say again that the Moonda dams have been run in nearly all levels and both have a kick up at the bottom that prevents the recirc of the traditional low head dam….but both are one flood away from being damaged and dangerous. The dams are also far from the most fun things on the Moodna with dozens of interesting lines, small drops, surf spots and surprising remoteness and beauty for exurbia…but they are great photo ops especially for the lazy photog who never ever gets out of his boat just for a better shot.

Second dam looks smaller with a 12′ canoe going down it.


Lumberyard is the first rapid in the gorge. Truly a lumberyard as with every flood a bit more of the lumberyard drops into the gorge, but named more for the assembly facility that’s on the bluff above.

Lumberyard

Class 2 section above the first dam…nice place to warm up.

Pillars or teeth rapid on the Moodna. Low consequences thanks to the big pool. Main line is river left and above the paddlers heads in this picture. Sneak route is between the 2 pillars on left (river right) dropping over the far end of the sloping drop.

Pillars or teeth rapid on the Moodna. Low consequences thanks to the big pool. Main line is river left and above the paddlers heads in this picture. Sneak route is between the 2 pillars on left (river right) dropping over the far end of the sloping drop. Pillars catch wood so scout.

. Jo-ann on the Moodna's 2nd dam back when the water kicked up more. Matt on the Moodna's 2nd dam back when the water kicked up more. Mike throwing the brown claw on the Moodna's 2nd dam Jesse on the Moodna below the pillars