Soul Rafter - Slab Creek
A hidden California classic on the South Fork of the American River
A relatively unknown run, the Slab Creek run of the American River is difficult to catch with water. Mostly kept below runnable levels by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), the section is a showcase of Californian features. Located just outside of Coloma California, upstream of the very popular South Fork American Chili Bar and Gorge sections, Slab Creek contains large boulders, clear waters, and pool drop characteristics.
Luckily, one of our crew from Rafting Magazine knew that there were recreational releases that weekend and we were able to get a team together to run Slab Creek. Average flows of 1000 cfs left the holes juicy and the water fast, but the section was class IV, Class V in nature. Some people ran Motherlode Falls, but this video also shows the sneak route on the left. Tenth episode of Soul Rafter's 19 rivers in 2019 campaign where Rafting Magazine Ambassador Nick Prete attempts to paddle 19 new rivers in 2019.
Big thanks to some of our sponsors/promotors keeping Soul Rafter on the water: