Piozi (near Djirgatal):
When paddled: mid-Sept, 2007
Volume: 150 cfs below top glacier to 250 cfs at Tandykul confluence
To access the 1 km of long, class V canyon that includes a 15 foot waterfall, you must hike this entire river on a narrow path with a significant elevation change. This top canyon starts below the first glacier and includes a narrow canyon with several waterfall drops. It requires a belayed swim across the river above an unrunnable drop from river left to right. The only portage route is on the river right. Below this there are several waterfalls with the last being largest at 15 feet. There is a double-S exit to the canyon, which leads to the 2nd glacier. After portaging the 2nd glacier, the river is one steep, rocky rapids. A couple km downstream you must portage the third glacier. The river continues to be steep, rocky slides until shortly before the last glacier when it drops nicely between big boulders. After the 4th glacier, it is easy shallow rapids to the Tandykul. This river rises with the day and the glacial melt. This river is epic.
Rec: Get an early start; start hiking by 5:30am
Pleasure: Pain 6:10(as much pain as you can get in a single day)
