American Whitewater worked through the federal dam relicensing process to restore flows and access to the 5.3 mile New River Dries. The Hawks Nest Hydropower Project has diverted up to approximately 10,000cfs around this section of river for generations, leaving it too low to offer paddling opportunities except when river flows exceed the diversion capacity by at least 2,000 cfs. American Whitewater sought significant improvements on this beautiful stretch of river at every stage of the multi-year relicensing effort. This effort was made extremely challenging because a nearby alloy manufacturing plant relied upon the unusual frequency of power the dam generates. When the State of West Virginia mandated only three whitewater releases we appealed, and secured an additional six days of releases in the state permit. Unfortunately, under intense political pressure to keep the New River dry by federal lawmakers, the FERC chose not to require releases in addition to those required by the state. Federal regulators issued a new 47-year license for the dam that dewaters the New River Dries in the final days of 2017. The license requires significant new recreational and environmental enhancements in a river reach that has suffered from water withdrawals for well over half a century. American Whitewater played an active and leading role in securing these outcomes. The hallmarks of the new federal license include:
- Increases in the minimum stream flow from 100cfs to flows ranging from 150 to 300cfs depending on the season. While a small increase, this measure will significantly increase the quantity and quality of aquatic habitat.
- Nine new scheduled whitewater releases each year: two in March and seven in July and August. These flows will offer scenic Class III+ paddling opportunities and restore important natural flow variability that will benefit river organisms.
- A new 1-3 day online flow prediction service for the Dries, as well as ongoing funding of a stream gage. This measure will help paddlers take advantage of the nearly 80 days annually when sufficient water spills over the dam to support paddling, and improve safety for all visitors to the Dries.
- River access improvements at the Cotton Hill Bridge put in, which will serve as the primary put in and trailhead for paddlers.
- A new portage trail around the Hawks nest Dam, which will allow paddlers to launch upstream at the confluence of Mill Creek and portage into the Dries.
- A new public take out to meet the long-term recreational needs of paddlers.
Releases began in 2020. While not the grander outcome we had hoped for, the new license ushered in a new and much better era on the New River Dries. Paddlers enjoy nine new releases, improved access, and much better flow information. Summer releases draw intermediate paddlers from around the region, and paddlers take advantage of spring flows more often. The higher base flows and pulse flows are great for aquatic health and smallmouth bass fishing. There are improved hiking opportunities, and climbers enjoy the new access areas too. American Whitewater staff are actively involved in the planning for releases each year. Thanks to all the paddlers who got involved in this project and who supported our work on it. And a special thank you to Bobby Bower who spoke up for the river’s commercial rafting potential.
In 2025 it was announced that the alloy plant no longer receives power from the Hawks Nest plant, essentially reopening the opportunity for additional water in the river. American Whitewater is actively pursuing additional releases through this new opportunity.