Pigeon

WARNING: This run has been severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. Rapids are likely to have dramatically changed and access roads and parking are severely impacted or entirely gone. I-40 eastbound lanes have collapsed into the river.

To support planned maintenance activities at the Walters hydro station, the hydro units will be out of service for approximately three months beginning Sept. 6, 2022. Spillway gates will be opened at the Waterville Dam for lake management. The release from the dam into the bypassed reach is not designed as a recreation release. Duke Energy may make unscheduled spillway gate releases without any prior warning or notice if warranted by significant rainfall events. WARNING: High flows and the natural environment of the bypassed reach can create dangerous conditions. Fishermen should be alert to rapidly changing flows and dangerous conditions. Updated lake levels are available any time at www.duke-energy.com/lakes, by calling 800.829.5253 or on the Duke Energy Lake View mobile ap

There is a fire at the Canton, NC Paper Mill that started at 5:20 this morning. It is possible that the fire may lead to a bypass and uncontrolled discharge of untreated sewage and other potentially hazardous waste products into the Pigeon River. The recreational use of the river may be impacted for a while and boaters may want to avoid the Pigeon until the situation is known / under control. Hopefully no one was hurt.

One of 3 units is being tuned up offline on the Pigeon dries which is why it’s running a lot, then the other two will be tuned up one after the other. This means that the dries will likely continue to spill more than normal through the 2019-2020 winter. No promises, but that is the plan.