Gwynns Falls

The log that C2buck apparently describes, below, has apparently moved, because there is now a medium-sized tree-with-root ball across Gwynns Falls at the Main Falls, visible from upstream. At minimum levels, going under it might be possible, but at 5.6 at Washington Blvd, I boofed the main ledge left of center for the first time, because that log was thoroughly blocking the right side at that level. Also, as an aside, I seriously doubt that anyone has run the left side of the main ledge, because it probably requires a mandatory flip, and the top part is artificial and junky, with some rebar in there, too. Given the water quality, flipping is not recommended. Also, in general, the best way to portage the pipes is to take out on river left, upstream of Route 40, walk along the paved trail, and climb down to put in on top of the concrete platform that supports the pipeline. Seal launch---it's easy! No bushwhacking!! Washington Blvd gauge: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?01589352 .

Good levels are: 2.5 minimum up to @6.0 or maybe 7.0; the maximum is more or less undefined, but the 'official' maximum is definitely too low. At 5.6 at Washington Blvd (1200 cfs at Villa Nova), the other day, I could easily paddle over the pipeline, which is a definite plus; on the other hand, the river was Class 5 in places, whereas it's usually only Class 3 at low water.

I'm not positive, but I think that the piton rock on the right side of Gwynns Falls might have shifted---it seemed a bit stickier as I slid across it on Saturday at 3.75 at Wash. Blvd. Also, the next rapid downstream looks a bit different on the right side of Tombstone Rock, although I didn't look closely (I went left). I'm not even sure why I'm posting this; does anyone besides me ever paddle this?!