man & nature # 128 ~ Spring has sprung # 14
Monday, April 20, 2009 at 09:23AM 
The Rogers Paper Mill dam on the West Branch of The Au Sable River • click to embiggenWe have not had the normal Spring raging-river conditions this year. The snow melt was oddly gradual and it was not accompanied by Spring rain (of which we have had little so far).
Every time I visit this spot I am tempted to consider its potential as a water slide. With its 30ft drop it would deliver a great albeit brief thrill ride.
My only concern is the foamy water at the bottom of the dam. Depending upon the water depth it could be a real threat - foamy water has no buoyancy. A person will sink right to the bottom and, no matter what you do, stay there. Flotation vests/devices don't help at all.
Maybe one day when the flow is minimal, I'll check the depth and ...
Reader Comments (1)
That one piece of ironwork really changes the look of this picture. Puts me in mind of a violin for some reason.