The Pocaterra Hydroelectric Facility involves a 1.5-kilometre penstock to increase the hydraulic head and therefore the amount of electricity it generates.

As the river is dam-controlled, the water levels are predictable, and TransAlta generally posts the release times and flow rates on their website.

This is an annual festival, typically occurring in mid-August, which attracts beginner and expert kayakers alike for a fun-filled weekend of kayaking-related activities.

The Upper Kananaskis (upstream of Barrier Lake) is not so paddler friendly: low water levels, many snags and sweepers.

[1] A major flood beginning on June 21, 2013 had a destructive effect on the man-made rapids on the lower Kananaskis River.

Soon after, the Alberta Whitewater Association reconstructed an interim slalom course, with plans to improve it further with additional time and funding.