Gauley

I thought I would add a few quick notes about the big 5 at 1,200cfs out of Summersville Dam and another 400 coming in from the Meadow.

First, one theme follows the entire run...there is MUCH less push.

Insignificant - becomes much easier. It turns into two distinct drops. Both are easily boat scouted.

Pillow Rock - although the pushiness is far less, the line really tightens up. This one deserves a quick scout as there are a lot of rocks to blow you off line if you dont know where they are. Other than that, the line is pretty much the same as standard release....The Green Highway.

Lost Paddle - 1st and 2nd drop are much easier. 3rd drop was pretty much non-existant. 4th drop is the one to watch out for as it becomes very congested and much steeper in there. There is a sweet slide on the very river left side (where there is a great boof at standard release). It drops into a room and exits toward the center of the river. Tumblehome was very simple.

Iron Ring - GET OUT AND SCOUT! We were encouraged to walk it and once we looked at it for ourselves, we all decided to carry. I wont even go into the datails as there are just too many to discuss here. Just get out and look at it, then make your own decision.

Sweets Falls - gets much steeper and becomes vertical. There were class II+/III sneak lines to both river right and river left. The main line is to aim straight for Dildo Rock (which will have a huge fanning roostertail) with 2:00 angle. As you approach the wave directly in front of Dildo (it builds up againt Dildo), take a hard left stroke and shoot down the tongue. It's boney in there so keep your bow up. It wouldnt be a bad idea to get a look-see here too.

Last note: keep your eyes open on the entire run and you'll see why the Upper Gauley has the reputation that it does....undercuts, caves and sieves abound. There is basically no play at this level or lower, so I would suggest going in comfort...take your creeker. It would be much safer as well.

Have fun out there and be safe.