New
15. New River Dries: Hawks Nest Dam to Gauley Bridge
Alerts
Log in to add an alertMore and longer moderate spills (unplanned releases) are likely in the Dries through 2027 as upstream Bluefield Dam is undergoing repairs and can only release 12,000 cfs. They will try to hold back big flow events and more gradually release them, causing more days of moderate spill at the Dries per flow event.
A drawdown of Hawks Nest reservoir is scheduled to start September 8, 2020 and will be in effect as planned for 60 days, to dewater the tunnel. During this timeframe there will be natural flow in the Dries, and maybe extra whitewater normally under the reservoir.
Articles
Mar 10, 2026
Additional Releases Proposed on New River Dries (WV)
Big changes are likely on the way for the New River Dries–including 32 releases annually! Thanks to a proposed overhaul of the Hawksnest Hydropower Project, American Whitewater, outfitters, the state […]
Jul 23, 2020
New River Dries to Flow Free This Fall (WV)
The owners of Hawks Nest Dam on the New River Dries is undertaking a thorough inspection of the Hawks Nest Tunnel this fall, something that has not been done since […]
Feb 6, 2020
2020 New River Dries Releases Scheduled (WV)
Last week, American Whitewater took part in the annual scheduling meeting for the New River Dries releases. Each year these releases will follow the same pattern: a weekend in mid-March, […]
Mar 15, 2019
First New River Dries Release Rescheduled
The New River Dries was scheduled to have its first planned releases ever this weekend, however inflows will be exceeding the capacity of the hydropower diversion and the Dries will […]
Jan 22, 2019
Dates Scheduled for First New River Dries Releases (WV)
Last week, the first ever pulse flow releases were scheduled on the New River Dries, located near Gauley Bridge, WV. These releases were designed to support intermediate level whitewater paddling […]
Jan 5, 2018
Decision Reached on Restoration of the New River Dries! (WV)
River enthusiasts will soon have new paddling opportunities on West Virginia's New River. Federal regulators issued a new 47-year license for the dam that dewaters the spectacular 5.5-mile New River […]
Aug 18, 2017
AW Secures Improved State Permit for New River Dries, Now Up to Feds (WV)
American Whitewater reached an important milestone this week in our efforts to restore flows and public access to the New River Dries. Earlier this summer American Whitewater appealed a State […]
Jun 20, 2017
AW Appeals New River Dries Flow and Access Prescriptions
On Friday American Whitewater filed an appeal of the State of West Virginia’s flow and access prescriptions for the spectacular New River Dries. The State’s prescriptions would only restore an […]
Jan 4, 2017
Agencies Consider New River Dries & AW Proposal (WV)
Right now, West Virginia and federal agencies have a rare opportunity to restore water to the New River Dries, a beautiful 5-mile stretch of Class III-IV rapids that is typically […]
May 27, 2016
AW Seeks Flow Restoration on the New River Dries (WV)
Immediately downstream of the New River Gorge, a beautiful 5.5-mile section of the New River has been dewatered for generations. Paddlers call this reach the New River Dries, and know […]
Oct 22, 2015
Help Restore the New River Dries Today (WV)
If you would like to see flows restored to the New River Dries, now is a very important time for you to let federal regulators (FERC) know your thoughts. The […]
Aug 4, 2015
Dam Owner Offers No Releases on New River Dries
Yesterday, the power company that de-waters the New River Dries with the Hawks Nest Dam proposed zero dam releases that would mitigate their impacts on whitewater recreation and naturally variable […]
Mar 25, 2014
New River Dries Flow Study – Participate Online
Paddlers that run the New River Dries between now and July 31, 2014 are encouraged to fill out a flow study survey after each day on the water. Submitting surveys […]
Aug 13, 2013
New River Flow Study Delayed 1 Week (WV)
The first of a series of flow study dates have been rescheduled for 28 and 29, 2013 due to excessive flows predicted this week. The study aims to assess the […]
Nov 19, 2012
AW Requests Study of New River Dries (WV)
On Friday, American Whitewater formally requested several studies as part of the relicensing of the Hawks Nest Dam, which significantly de-waters the New River Dries in West Virginia. In addition […]
Mar 14, 2001
US Team Freestyle Team Soiree in Asheville
U.S. Freestyle Team Soiree and Auction in Asheville American Whitewater, along with Lidds, Lotus, Watershed and other U.S. Freestyle Team sponsors are bringing whitewater Freestyle and some amazing regional treasures […]