If the Southeastern boating community has been good this year, then Ole Saint Nick might give us all a very special gift; water in the Cheoah River.
In fact Santa has done his part already. Part of the power generating equipment in Santeetlah Dam is broken and will not be fixed for 3-4 months. This means that the power company is only able to generate with 400 cfs rather than 800. This is not good news for the power company but is very good news for boaters. The lake level is already poised just a few feet from the top of the dam and the chances of rain induced spills is very high this winter and spring.
With any luck at all, in a couple years folks will be coming from all over the country to enjoy dam releases on the Cheoah. American Whitewater is working hard to make that possibiliy a reality. Until then however…
Keep an eye on the radar for Graham County, the Cheoah gauge on the AW Rivers page, and we will see you on the river! If you are lucky enough to catch the Cheoah with water, remember that boating is a new thing in Graham County and one that we all hope is embraced by the community. Do your part by treating the residents and the land with respect, and by spending lots of money. Tell business owners that you are there to paddle the river and that it is great.
American Whitewater will post a web article if spills are likely to occur. See you on the river.