Upper Seymour

Water levels from several gauges may be accessed at:
www.CanoeBC.ca -> Water
Grantham Bridge: User; public, Password; nhcwater! (note the !)
In the left panel click on “chart” then in the “Select Chart” box type “Grantham” or “Seymour inflow/outflow.”

The dam controls the water level of the river. It is usually turned off about June 1^st in a high snowpack year and earlier in other years. When it starts raining in the fall the water can rise rapidly especially if it is on early snow.

There is a lag of about 1.5 hours between Spur 4 & Grantham depending on whether the water is rising or falling and how many days it has been raining. The difference between the two gauges is about 20% when the lake is full. 

Gradient: Spur 7 to Spur 4 Bridge up to 14m/km; Grade II+,
Spur 4 to Twin Bridges, up to 16m/km; Grade III. 

Length of Run: Spur 7 to Spur 4 Bridge, 5k. Spur 4 to Twin Bridges, 7km.

10 to 15 cms; solo boats
15 to 20; bumps but doable for tandems
20 to 25; great
25 to 30; getting pushy
30 to 35; swims will be long and mean. Definitely not for tandems.

Hazards:

• As always the odd sweeper is a possibility
• The last kilometer has three grade III rapids. The first is lengthy and continuous; It culminates in a right hand turn with a large rock in a hole. There is a rescue pool. The second ends at the big rock. The best route is usually on the left. The third can be walked. It is a large hole in the centre. The best route is cutting hard right.
• Cold water.
• If you are swimming at the new suspension bridge, abandon your boat and get off the river, preferably on the left – there is a dangerous canyon just below.

Access:

• LSCR gate by prior arrangement. Link to the documents here.

• Please note all speed restrictions, especially when off pavement. Hikers, dog walkers and cyclists do not expect a vehicle on the gravel access to twin bridges and many resent vehicles there. Approach any and all at a walking speed. Minimize the number of vehicles going to Twin Bridges. There is only parking for two or three.

See: Upper Seymour.kmz