Update (June 1, 2003): High water has swept the strainer on the Savage downstream so the channel is clear. The wood is still in the channel, though it is brushed against the bank. Paddle safely and be aware of unexpected hazards.
American Whitewater received this cautionary alert on May 26, 2003. We don’t typically post every strainer warning we receive; but given the safety history of the Savage, we feel that this is appropriate to call to your attention. Please paddle safely and beware of trees in the river.
I own property on the Savage River in Maryland, below the dam. Thisis a popular whitewater river. Last night a very large tree fell intothe river, at a perfect 90 degrees to the stream, taking a second treewith it. The river is completely blocked, all the wayacross. I took the attached picture this morning.
This is two miles above the junction of the Savage River and the NorthBranch of the Potomac at Bloomington, MD.
Photo by Lawrence Belkin