The diversion dam, or spillway, is located a short distance above the takeout at Black creek. There is a spot to walk your boat around on the far left side and I spent many years walking around so I didn't have to deal with the hydraulic caused by the water dumping over the spillway.

The dam isn't even visible in higher water, but the hydraulic is still there, and gets stronger the higher the water gets. If you have ANY question, just walk around. There isn't any shame in walking around ANYTHING that makes you feel uncomfortable. There isn't a way to walk around some obstacles, but that's not the case with this dam. If you opt to row over the spillway.....get the boat lined up 90 degrees to it, and row hard downstream just before you get to the hydraulic and KEEP ROWING until you break loose from the undertow. It's pretty uneventful as long as you keep straight and don't get pulled back by the current.

I don't wear a floatation device as much as I should, but I get the feeling that carelessness may have been a factor in this case. Rivers and water in general are unforgiving when they are not given the proper level of respect. Without question the scariest things I've been through have been on the water. It's a shame when what should have been a fun day on the water turns to tragedy.

My thoughts are with the victims and their families.