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Friday, September 5, 2003: The first day of Gauley Season was too high for rafting due to heavy rains produced by Tropical Storm Henri. Trips resumed the following day with above-average water levels. Below are some aerial photos of the Upper Gauley at BIG water. Those of you who have rafted with us may enjoy these shots from the comfort of your warm, dry home - no one was spotted on the river that day!
Summersville Dam releases 15,000 cfs to make up for the rainfall West Virginia received from Henri. A typical release for Gauley Season rafting is 2,800 cfs plus a minimal flow from the Meadow River.
Insignificant Rapid spreads out, washing over the river-left island and covering all major rocks with the exception of the huge, sloping undercut at the bottom of the rapid.
The Meadow River adds another 5,000 cfs to the flow for for a total of 20,000 cfs at Lost Paddle Rapid. The four main drops of the rapid merge into one. Even from high above, the word to describe it is LOUD!
Shipwreck Rock, normally 15 feet out of the water, begins to form a huge, sticky hole at high water. Water in the trees on both banks continues to Iron Ring Rapid.
Water climbs the cliffs at Sweet's Falls and submerges Postage Due and The Box. No lunch here for you today!
Charleston's WOWK-TV interviewed NARR's General Manager, Tom Wagner, for an explanation of river conditions and economic impact.
© North American River Runners (NARR) 
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