Rock

Hurricane Irene on August 28th 2011 devastated many of the river in Vermont. The following post by Alan Darling appeared on NPMB in early September of 2011.

The Rock River’s rapids have changed significantly.

The State of Vermont has also warned us to stay out of the water. It is toxic and septic. Above the covered bridge, there is heavy equipment in the river channel, repairing the road and restoring the river to its original channel, which means that gas and oil are going into the water. Houses along the Rock River were washed away by the flood, and pieces of them could be underwater, or could get washed down as you paddle the river. There are also floating propane tanks, septic tanks and leach fields that are still leaching into the river (in many places, half or all of a leach field were washed away by the river). There are countless strainers that were washed into the river.

According to the EPA, it will take 5 to 10 years for the river’s wildlife to return, which is why they permitted the heavy equipment to go into the river.

The river conditions will be changing regularly as it washes the garbage and strainers downstream.

On August 28th, 2011 Hurricane Irene struck New England. The resulting floods caused extensive damage throughout the region, the worst in over 100 years. More than half the rivers in Vermont and northern New Hampshire recorded their highest flow levels ever. Many roads, guardrails, power lines, bridges, trees and other debris now litter several rivers throughout the region. River beds have been scoured and changed course, many new strainers make navigation problematic at best and downright dangerous at worse. Please realize that the river description you see here may not match current situation after the floods. Use common sense and when in doubt scout especially on blind drops. Also, if you run this river in the next year or so please comment on its navigability, even if there are no problems this will be very helpful. Please report any new strainers or changes to the rapids that will impact future boating.
Thank you,

There are two strainers just below the covered bridge, before you reach the dam (the top and bottom half of the same tree). Both are big and long, but avoidable. Keep your eyes open for them.