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.
