Saw Shane Loveall die, third this year...please share this site and the risks of level fives with
NO experience on smaller boats in particular. Upper Gauley should be the Climax of other prepatory
trips. Risks known, go forth and kick that rivers ...but REALLY know the risk is VERY REAL. Edit

Another death on the gauley this year, this one was located @ pillow rock. Guide and 6 rafters had
to swim. Man died of cardiac arrest after being pulled from the water.

OAK HILL, W.Va. - A central Ohio man died Saturday while white water rafting in West Virginia. Eric
Clark, of Pickaway County, was found lying face down in a river by friends, 10TV News reported.
Clark was the owner of a civil engineering firm in Circleville, 10TV's John Fortney reported. No
additional information has been released by Fayette County, W. Va. Sheriff's deputies. Edit

The ANIMAL Upper Gauley Race #17 - September 21st A downriver race on this legendary section of
river. This race is now Sweet 17! Beginning near the base of Summersville Dam, the race ends nine
miles downstream. Paddlers must negotiate the 'Big Five' on the Upper Gauley and the finish line is
at a 12 foot drop called Sweet's Falls. Over the years, this race has grown in notoriety and
participation. The post-race awards party has become a popular event in itself. At the dinner,
racers enjoy a buffet dinner, live music, prizes and a great party! SO- C'mon paddle the Gauley
like you mean it! Classes: Wildwater, Wavehopper/Speeder, Slalom, Play Boat, Open Boat, Shredder,
River Boards, Duckie, Stand Up paddlers & 6 Person Raft Teams! Raft Teams please Pre-register.
For more information about registration or spectator access - www.gauleyrace.com Contact: Donnie
Hudspeth, c/o Mountain Air Productions Phone: 304.575.3294 e-mail: info@gauleyrace.com

the mail slot is free of the log/tree at tumblehome but is still not a great place to be Edit

Did a high water run yesterday (4200 out of the dam, 500 from the Meadow) and noted a large tree
protruding from the left bank into the middle of Iron Curtain (NOT Iron Ring). Iron Curtain is the
largest rapid between Insignificant and Pillow, about halfway between the two. There is plenty of
room to miss this tree to the right, and it's well visible from upstream, but does pose a
significant strainer hazard. I have alerted the Park Service and hopefully it will be removed
before Gauley Season. Dave Bassage Edit

the log at Tumblehome (last drop at Lost Paddle) was cut out of mail slot however the bottom part
of the log still remains in the slot. Since there are other hazards at that particular slot- STAY
AWAY. Cheers, Naira Edit

As of 6/6/09, there is a log(s) in the Mail Slot, Fourth Drop (Tumble Home) of Lost Paddle. A swim
through the slot would be lethal. As of this date, the far right slot was clean. Use extra caution
in Foruth Drop. Edit

The huge log that was jammed horizontally under the right undercut in Iron Ring rapid (has been
there at least 30 yrs) fell out and wedged into the 1st drop above Woodstock Rock. It blocks the
drop but should start going under at 4-500 cfs. Unsure but it probably won't change things much at
fall flows. It probably is going to move some more. Recommend anyone running less than fall flow
stop and check out any possible changes. So far there hasn't been more than 200 cfs there since it
fell. Yours, Fred Blocklinger

try the following link for release levels and meadow river flows ---->
http://www.lrh-wc.usace.army.mil/wc/whitewater.html Edit

There is no gauge listed for the Upper Gauley when I search on rivers in WV.

Robert Farmer---I just want to add that I ran this at around 450 once, and although it was mostly
much easier, the third (4th?) drop of Lost Paddle (just above Tumblehome) becomes terrifying. It
was a total surprise for me, since this drop is usually trivial. All of the water angles 45 degrees
to the right, directly into a horrifying undercut shelf that is submerged at release levels; I had
to ferry to river left intensely to avoid being swept into it. I hadn't even fully appreciated the
situation even after scouting diligently. So watch out for that. Edit

Gotta disagree with Karl's statement about play at 1200 or lower. There is TONS of play, but it's
not huge wave or hole surfing. Endless slots, splats, small and medium waves, squirts, etc. At
1200, I'm definitely taking my playboat unless it's 30 degrees out. I don't disagree that a creeker
would be safer, but if play the G at regular release, you can play this level too.... Sam Lindblom Edit

After the pin at Initiation this year i started putting together a page devoted to explaining the
dangers of this rapid and providing historical info on previous incidents. It includes accident /
rescue reports, along with pictures and video. Please be careful out there and know exactly where
this rapid is and how to run it. http://thinkrain.blogspot.com/2006/09/initiation.html

I thought I would add a few quick notes about the big 5 at 1,200cfs out of Summersville Dam and
another 400 coming in from the Meadow. First, one theme follows the entire run...there is MUCH less
push. Insignificant - becomes much easier. It turns into two distinct drops. Both are easily boat
scouted. Pillow Rock - although the pushiness is far less, the line really tightens up. This one
deserves a quick scout as there are a lot of rocks to blow you off line if you dont know where they
are. Other than that, the line is pretty much the same as standard release....The Green Highway.
Lost Paddle - 1st and 2nd drop are much easier. 3rd drop was pretty much non-existant. 4th drop is
the one to watch out for as it becomes very congested and much steeper in there. There is a sweet
slide on the very river left side (where there is a great boof at standard release). It drops into
a room and exits toward the center of the river. Tumblehome was very simple. Iron Ring - GET OUT
AND SCOUT! We were encouraged to walk it and once we looked at it for ourselves, we all decided to
carry. I wont even go into the datails as there are just too many to discuss here. Just get out and
look at it, then make your own decision. Sweets Falls - gets much steeper and becomes vertical.
There were class II+/III sneak lines to both river right and river left. The main line is to aim
straight for Dildo Rock (which will have a huge fanning roostertail) with 2:00 angle. As you
approach the wave directly in front of Dildo (it builds up againt Dildo), take a hard left stroke
and shoot down the tongue. It's boney in there so keep your bow up. It wouldnt be a bad idea to get
a look-see here too. Last note: keep your eyes open on the entire run and you'll see why the Upper
Gauley has the reputation that it does....undercuts, caves and sieves abound. There is basically no
play at this level or lower, so I would suggest going in comfort...take your creeker. It would be
much safer as well. Have fun out there and be safe.