Nolichucky River

5/15/05

yesterday I ran the Nolichucky for the first time since the last round of floods. (1300cfs)

one area of note is the first ledge in Quartermile, the one above Hungry Jack. This has changed radically from the way it used to be. There is now a LARGE boulder in the middle of the channel (about where the old railroad barrel used to be), but it is not the main hazard. There is now a very sticky hole associated with this ledge. The old move of catching the eddy below the Big Rock on the left of the ledge now has consequences. whereas before, if you blew the ferry you could just go on down and run Hungry Jack, now you are likely to wash into this hole. I saw it briefly stop a raft yesterday, and pull boats back into it that got too close. Further, there is now a VERY BAD pinning rock on the left end of Hungry Jack with current running onto it. several people I saw had close encounters with this rock.

Scouting is easy, and hightly recommended. Portaging that first drop is also very easy, and IMO should be considered unless you are very confident you can make the required moves. you can also sneak Hungry Jack thru a small slot on the left if you carry the first drop...

have fun, be safe!

david