RAFTER DROWNS ON FLOODED CHATOOGA RIVER Section III near Clayton, Georgia: September 19, 1994 Gradient – 45 fpm; Guage – 10′(flood); Class(Normal flows) – II-III DESCRIPTION; On September 19, 1994 the Chatooga River was running at 10′, a near-flood level that few experienced boaters would find appealing. Kenneth Baker, 20, arrived at the put-in with two friends and a 14′ rental raft. Section III is Class III at normal flows; the few experts who have tried it at flood report huge water. At Dick’s Creek Ledge, a 6′ high sloping shelf, the group’s raft capsized in a monster hole. Two of the men made it to safety, but Baker was swept into a log jam and pinned beneath it. His body was not found for two days. S OURCE: Dave Perrin, NOC; NORS Currents Non-Witness Narrative by CCW on 2006-01-22 (okay to publish): RAFTER DROWNS ON FLOODED CHATOOGA RIVER Section III near Clayton, Georgia: September 19, 1994 Gradient – 45 fpm; Guage – 10′(flood); Class(Normal flows) – II-III DESCRIPTION; On September 19, 1994 the Chatooga River was running at 10′, a near-flood level that few experienced boaters would find appealing. Kenneth Baker, 20, arrived at the put-in with two friends and a 14′ rental raft. Section III is Class III at normal flows; the few experts who have tried it at flood report huge water. At Dick’s Creek Ledge, a 6′ high sloping shelf, the group’s raft capsized in a monster hole. Two of the men made it to safety, but Baker was swept into a log jam and pinned beneath it. His body was not found for two days. SOURCE: Dave Perrin, NOC; NORS Currents ANALYSIS: Flood water is extremely dangerous. The group’s inexperience gave them no chance to cope with the challenge. The two survivors are very lucky to be alive.