Trapped By Rising Water - Niagara Whirlpool
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ย. 2024
- Rising waters at the Niagara Whirlpool trapped me in a section of trail which I could not get out of. The only way out was up the escarpment which involves steep cliffs and inclines, bush and loose ground material. A hiking trail that is already rated Difficult turned out even more difficult while trying to get out of my predicament. Caution should always be taken when visiting this incredible place to fish or hike. I learned a huge lesson on this latest experience. Be safe my friends.
That was a close one! No fish but the most important thing is that you made it back to fish another day.
It definitely was a close one. I will admit my inexperience with the Niagara was on display.
I put this video together to share my experience with others who have never been there. Catching a fish would have been nice but I gained a good learning experience from the adventure. Thanks for watching!
You don’t mess around with Niagara!
Be safe!
I couldn't agree more with you. That's twice now that its kicked the crap out of me. Thanks for watching!
Great video. I have been down there many times and have had to take some pretty sketchy paths to navigate around the rising water. The camera does not truly show how steep and hazardous your path was.
I'm happy you made it out to tell your story.
Thanks very much for your comments! As beautiful as it is down there some just have no clue of the dangers. I was one of them. That's why I was happy to put this video together. Knowing what I know now I would definitely change how I do things going down there. You are correct about the camera angles not doing my path steepness justice. That was a lot of work getting back. Thanks for watching. Greatly appreciate it. Stay safe.
I am a local to the whirlpool, fish there all the time and if you take notice you can see even in your video of the paths before and after there is a lot of algae on the rocks in your path indicating where the water level rises to. you can even usually see where the rocks are damp and wet from from the previous nights shoreline but defiantly can tell where the water will stop rising if you take notice on the rocks with no algae !
Thanks for pointing that out. Never thought of it. It's a good way to see what to expect when the water goes up..
wow can't believe how fast it came up !!! be safe good luck fishing
Thanks Carl 😁 It definitely was an experience!
Thank you so much for the video and your commentary. I am about to take this hike but now i am so skeptical. I am not even a regular hiker. I am glad you made it safe and sound. Cheers!
Thank you for your kind comments. I was extremely happy to make it out safely. I didn't make this video to discourage people from going there but to bring awareness. For people who love the outdoors its an incredible experience.
I found out later there was another way to get out of there that I was unaware of. If you do decide to go hike the Whirlpool just be safe and watch your surroundings. Wear good footwear too. Thanks for watching. Cheers!
Some fishers recently died here in BC when a hydro river suddenly increased flow. But I'm a fisher and I get it, got to get to that ideal spot no matter. Glad you survived w/o broken bones or waterlogged lungs (or damaged gear). Thanks for posting as a reminder to us all.
Hi Jimmy. Thanks very much! That's unfortunate to hear about those anglers in BC losing their lives. It is amazing how quick conditions can change with an increased flow. I was lucky on this day but also would have abandoned my gear to get to safety. I've never witnessed anything like it before and figured it would be good advice to the new people going down there by making this video. All the seasoned fishermen seem to know their way but even a seasoned angler can get in trouble. Greatly appreciate your comments and thanks for stopping by. Cheers!
This is scary I’m planning to go there this week and I’m glad i came across your video as I didn’t know about this... I would’ve pissed myself if i were trap in that rock.
Hey Antonio! I made this video to show and bring attention to what could happen under extreme circumstances. The levels are always going up and down so use caution and have fun. Despite what happened to me I still enjoyed myself and I'm sure you will too. Take care and be safe.
I remember hiking down to the Whirlpool before they built the wooden stairs. There was a long rope with knots in it that you had to use to climb down (and back up) the steep part where the stairs are now.
I also hiked from the Whirlpool to the steel staircase downriver at Niagara Glen park. Not the best trail but you get to see some impressive Class 5 rapids up close and personal.
I Highly suggest that hike!
Wow! Thanks Ken for that bit of information. Using the rope would have been interesting to try when it was around. I may try the hike to the steel staircase to Niagara Glen you suggested. I would love to see the rapids in that area. Thanks for watching. Cheers!
@@X2OOutdoors ... it was a fun climb down that only fishermen usually did from what we were told.
@@kellark this is true. I'm one of those fishermen. I did that hike twice and no luck in catching any fish. At least it provided a good hike and some amazing scenery. I would do it again 😁
Thanks for sharing, didn’t know the water levels changed that drastically over there. I’m planning on fishing the whirlpool this year so this is good to know!
My pleasure. Great place to go and there's always anglers there. I'm sure my experience doesn't happen regularly but this was something I never expected. Be safe and best of luck. Tight lines!
When I was 11 I started riding my bike to the bottom of the Power Vista on the US side. 2 poles and pockets full of tackle. It’s some of the greatest memories of my childhood. Sometimes with a group or alone. Getting trapped happens but by putting a rock on a rock it’ll help you determine when to retreat.
Climbing up or down to the water on loose rocks or damp paths is a good way to break reels.
Still…fun stuff…!
Hi Tim. Must have been nice to live in that area and be able to do that. Something I definitely would have enjoyed as a kid. Nice having memories like that. The rock on a rock method sounds like a good gauge. Definitely learned some things in my 2 visits there. Hoping the next time I go I might catch a couple of fish lol. Thanks for watching!
Always wanted to fish that river for lake trout, but the more I learn about it, the less I think I’ll actually do it. Glad ur safe, could have been a bad situation.
I was the same way. Super excited to do it. After two trips there and getting hurt and trapped by water levels I'm not so sure I want to go through the effort again. Thanks for watching 👍 Cheers
Holy crap! I was so scared for you!!! Good thing you found a way out!
One of those experiences that just freaks you out. I was happy that I figured it out and made it out safely. Lessons to be learned from things like this. Thanks for watching!
Niagara can be beautiful but also dangerous if you don’t know the areas. Glad you made it back safe. Go get some food! You must of been hungry. Great hike pal.
Adrian
Thanks Adrian. Sure is beautiful there. I think next time I venture there it will be with someone else. I was super hungry after that hike. Should have brought some food. Thanks for watching buddy 👍
Holy crap! That is amazing and yeah that water is not too be fooled with there. Very, very, very dangerous. That was something. Thanks for showing us the area. We'll be there this summer.
You're welcome and I hope it helps with your journey there this summer. I never would have known if I didn't experience it. It is so cool but dangerous as well. Good luck on your hike and be safe. Thanks for watching. Cheers!
The things we do for fishing. I was there once I saw the signs I do want to go back there again because it looks so awesome and I know there’s a lot of awesome fish to be caught. “ no fish is worth dying for” 🐟☠️🐟
I know lol. Learned some valuable lessons going down there. I definitely want to go back and actually catch something. There are some awesome fish to be caught there and I would like to catch at least one lol. Thanks for watching!
Wow that water rose fast! Maybe there was a storm in the region somewhere? Glad you found a way out. I’ve been down on those trails before, winter and non-winter. Very glad I didn’t get caught with such rising water. One spot with a little whirlpool was pretty eerie as you could see the water swell and subside, just a matter of a foot or so. Just watching that made me stay on my toes, imagining if it kept rising. Thanks for sharing what happens when it does!
Thanks Cache the Line. I did a little research into the rise to help me grasp how that happened. There are 2 hydroelectric dams that control water flow from up river. At night the water flow is decreased in half. In the latter part of the morning the water flow is increased back to normal. Adding the spring melt and already high waters in the Great Lakes it had a major contribution to this event that trapped me there. I have never seen water rise so quickly right in front of my eyes. The experience was amazing but also taught me a lesson to respect the Niagara. Thanks for watching and be safe. Cheers!
Looks like the incoming tide at The Bay of Funday! Pretty awesome.
It is awesome for sure. I would love to visit the Bay of Funday. It's on my to do list. Thanks for watching 👍
That was a little scary. Yeah, you definitely don't want to end up in that water
Hey Peter! It sure was a scary moment. Anyone falls into that water I'm afraid they're done! Definitely need to respect that area. Thanks for watching. Cheers!
Thank God you made it out safely!
Better go fish Burt Dam, lol!
Thanks Jim! I was very worried. I may have to go explore Burt Dam. Never heard of it. Thanks for watching 👍
Burt dam has those warning signs about rising water levels as well,definitely not as scary as the falls tho.lol
Scary stuff dude. Almost lost my tackle box the other day at whirlpool.
Was pretty crazy that day lol. You're lucky the tackle box didn't get away from you. I don't think there's any chance of getting anything back if it goes in there! Thanks for watching 👍
It’s just the history of the river of Niagara Falls the people that tried to go over didn’t make it and we’re never found where is there bodies could be hanging up down below
I don't think I would have even tried that spot. I must getting old.
Old? Why would that stop you? I seen you crank that Hatz Diesel like a champ lol. It's a hell of a hike. Definitely not for everyone. Thanks for watching.
One time me and my girlfriend when we were teenagers Drove to Lewiston to go fishing out there my 63 Chevrolet and my 16 foot fiberglass boat with a 75 horse Merc catch no fish but what a feeling it was sitting out there that evening in the middle of that river and watching the street lights popping on over in Canada We never Thought about going back again USMC.
That river is quite amazing. To this day the scenery still gets me every time. I definitely will be back there. Thanks for stopping by. Cheers!
The Niagara River drags people down and away. The power plants control the water levels and it rises fast! Don’t get adventurous on your first visit. The Rangers recovery team is real expensive to come get you out,if you make it.
Thanks for the advice Rodney. Many lessons were learned on this day. Thanks for watching. Cheers!
One or more power plants upstream divert a lot of water at certain times from what I have read, so the water at times can be like 4-5 feet going over the falls and other times might be much deeper than that. So of course the water level will also rise with that release. I don't remember what the timing was, but I think it may be that they use more in the later afternoon and night hours and it is more of the natural flow during the day for the attraction of the falls. I remember when a guy went out when the water was about 3-4 feet deep on top of the falls and he intended to commit suicide, but chickened out. His foot got stuck on the rocks under the water and he was getting hypothermic. They had to bring out a full rescue team to get him. Funnily enough, there was an 'evil' face in the snow right next to the bank, which was of course just coincidence. The video is on youtube and he was very fortunate that help got there in time and also that he went out when water levels were lower vs twice that deep. I'm down near Atlanta, Georgia and the Chattahoochee River here is regulated by a number of dams and waters can rise quickly by feet within a short time period. It's in all of their pamphlets and there are signs all over the place.
Thanks very much for your comments. I've heard the same thing. Someone had told me it happens in the latter part of the morning when the water flow increases. Crazy how quickly it comes up. I never heard about the guy who got stuck trying to commit suicide. Unbelievable. Areas like this where water flow is increased definitely needs to be made aware of.
@@X2OOutdoors I want to say that the water flowing over the falls at the top, during the times of normal/high flow, is something ridiculous like 8+ feet deep. I think I researched it online one time and saw that mentioned somewhere. I could probably find it again. I have also read that with the natural flow, the falls were retreating back by a number of feet every year and they have kind of toned it back some and have it down to like a foot a year. It's very interesting. There are images online where they drained the falls decades ago and diverted it somehow to do some work because there were some issues with the face of the falls collapsing or something like that. They took photos of what it looks like without water and it is quite surprising.
@@user-tb2jy9lu3d it definitely is something amazing. I've seen some of the stuff you're talking about. Crazy cool. The whole area never gets boring to me. Its a thing of beauty and the history and facts on it are very interesting.
My brother and I were almost killed by big falling rocks just downstream of the whirlpool, they came rolling down the cliff fast and we had to drop everything and run to safety.
OMG! Seriously??? That's crazy! I was freaked out by by situation but falling rocks is so not cool. Good to hear you didn't get hurt. It is absolutely amazing down there but so much can happen that you can't predict.
@@X2OOutdoors I agree, we were lucky, it wasn't our time yet, thank God. Needless to say, I still haven't gone back to the exact spot, below the adventure course. You had quite the crazy adventure... you are lucky as well
@@Rodolpho262 agreed. I've heard of these things happening but when it does you have a whole new respect for it.
@@X2OOutdoors I agree!
If you go in any gorge during the thaw this can happen. Always scan for locations with evidence of rock slides just like you look for water stains and debris to see how high the water gets.
Fished the whirlpool many times. The water is down at night and when they need hydro when people are waking up they release the water. I fished it for 10 years and only went in once. Respect the river or it will take you.
It is quite amazing how the whole thing works with the water levels. Sounds like you have plenty of experience with the area. I haven't been back in awhile. You actually fell in? Must have scared the crap out of you? You are correct in saying Respect the river. That place can be dangerous if you don't exercise caution. Thanks for watching!
They raise and lower the river and can control the water level in the lower gorge. They dump excess water from the Turbine stations.
Things I never knew. Learned a lot from that experience. Appreciate your comments. Always nice to get more information. Thanks for watching 👍
the path connects to other stairs if you went further you wouldve found them that cave does go under water sometimes best thing to do is walk down river to the other stairs...... usually when your the only one there that time of morning there is a reason for that ... watch the water levels on river app and watch web cams the day before for water clarity some days its chocolate and not worth it!!
Thanks Sean for all the useful information. Definitely will look into those things more thoroughly next time I venture down there.
It's the Power Generating Stations that use water and release water that causes the water level changes ....Been there done that .
Hey Bob thanks for your comment. You are correct. At the time I was unaware of that and completely caught off guard by it. Figured there were many more that experienced the same. Lesson learned. Thanks for watching.
Great video ! Is there good fishing on the Niagara River and what fish can you catch.
Hi Andre. Thanks very much for your comment. Fishing is very good on the Niagara River. Trout and Salmon are popular species down there. You can catch other fish there as well. Both times I went I didn't catch anything. There definitely is a learning curve with fishing there. Amazing place where safety must be exercised. Thanks for watching.
went there today and there where small rivers forming when we left and the water was rising
It's an awesome sight to watch. Hope you had a good time down there. Thanks for watching.
@@X2OOutdoors thank you and thank god you came back safe
I suck at Niagara but I still try lol. New SUB, hope to catch you back
Hey Kayakingoutdoorsman! Thanks for the sub! The Niagara has had my number the last couple of times but the experience was worth it. I will catch fish there one day lol. Thanks for stopping by. Will swing by your channel. Tight lines!
was down there this morning no fish but lots of fun and tons of people rock climbing
@@Kayakingoutdoorsman its still a fun hike. One day we'll catch them lol. Was a beauty day to be out.
hell of an adventure
Thanks man! It sure was!
what causes it to rise? Is it from rainfall further upstream?
Hey there. According to what I have read. Ontario Power Generation controls the water flow over the falls. During high tourist times they release more water into the river which in turn makes the falls more impressive for viewing. But with that the water levels can increase dramatically in the Niagara River down below. It was quite the experience watching that happen.
I was smoking a blunt our on that rock with my cousin and we almost died running back to land.
Really?? That's crazy!! Amazing how quickly that water will chase you high ground lol. Thanks for watching!
There is another way out if you keep following the path downstream. Just means a hike back to that parking lot.
Thanks for the information Corey! Had I known that I would have gone downstream. I'm sure that would have been easier than what I put myself through getting back. I know for next time 😁 Thanks for watching 👍
Xplore 2.0 Angling Outdoors look for the staircase off the parkway...if I remember correctly it is behind what use to be the Christmas store...if you fish the pool I would use the the way you went down...if fishing downstream of the pool..use the other set of stairs so this doesn’t happen again.
Thanks again Corey! Much appreciated 👍
They turn the falls back on for tourists at approximately 8 am.....at the pool your always moving back
I found out about that after the fact lol. Crazy how quick it rises! Regardless I learned a few things and thought I would share the experience with others who have never been there. Thanks for watching.
What do you mean by turn the clock and at the pool you always moving back?
My son passed away three weeks ago. He was fishing down at whirlpool park he fell and slipped into the water. He was 15 years old he was fishing with his dad.
Hi Colleen. My condolences to you and your family. I have kids as well and can't even imagine what you are going through. This news really saddens me. I decided to make this video to bring awareness to the dangers of The Niagara River.
I was lucky the day I went and thankful I made it out safely. I hope people watch this video and understand the unpredictable dangers that can occur when fishing, hiking or sight seeing down there. Caution and safety must be exercised.
I appreciate you sharing this with me. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care.
Magical place but it can be scary. I've seen families with small kids and poodles down there so it can be done. I've also seen rock falls, snakes and treacherous patches along the trail. Use common sense and know your surroundings - you should be fine.
Hey John thanks for your comments! It truly is a magical place down there. I think both visits I've had down there I wasn't prepared for either event that happened to me lol. Many lessons were learned. You are correct in saying use common sense. Great place for people to visit as long as they pay attention to the surroundings. Things can happen in the blink of an eye. Thanks for watching!
I heard the Niagara river is very dangerous.
It sure can be. Very beautiful down there but everyone should use caution while hiking or fishing down at the Whirlpool or River. Thanks for watching.
If you had a belt on you could strap that stuff to your back. Then you’d have two free hands.
That's a great idea! Two free hands would have been nice. Funny how you learn and figure things out after bad stuff happens lol. I will definitely approach this place differently next time I go. Thanks for watching!
Lucky you didn't fall in that water
I know. I would have been dead. I don't think anyone could swim out of that.
Be careful, I've been fishing lower Niagara for 40 years and the river will eat you.
You are right there. Some valuable lessons learned that day. I'm sure you've seen lots fishing it for that many years. This was only my second visit to the Niagara.
What were you fishing for on this trip ?? great video
I was fishing for Steelhead in this video. Seen some nice fish get caught out of there. Thanks for watching buddy 👍
Can you fish in Open song
Hi Rosalind. Could you be more specific? Not sure what you mean by open song? Unless I'm missing something here lol. Thanks
You should try it at night.
You actually fished there at night? That would be a great experience.
Typical whirlpool outdoorsman
Thanks for your comment. Guess I would never learn if I didn't experience it :)
Drama queen
Lol thanks John 😂