Articles

American Whitewater’s Accident Database contains more than 1000 fatal accidents and near misses reported over the last 35 years. We sometimes give qualified water safety researchers access to the accident database. Our latest research partner is Ed Kern, who is working towards a Masters Degree in civil engineering at Brigham Young University in Utah. His research models dam retrofit solutions to improve safety. As part of his work he has created a web site that lists as many known dam-related accidents

American Whitewater is proud to announce our June 2013 Volunteers of the Month: Chris Donochod, Justyn Thompson, Mark Mickey, Matt Kern, and Sid Border! These five fine folks are the team behind French Broad River Fest a music event that celebrates the French Broad River each year in Western North Carolina. More than just an awesome weekend of music, the event has a myriad of outdoor activities like a raft race, mountain biking, a kids parade and much more. Last, and certainly

Only twice each year, American Whitewater appeals for financial support for our river stewardship work. To this end, we've put together the 2013 American Whitewater Summer Appeal (pdf). It details just how our supporter's money is spent and features a national listing of some of our major projects we're currently involved with. We sincerely hope you'll take the time to peruse this document and consider donating or joining/renewing with American Whitewater. Those making donations will be glad to know that

  Earlier this month, the National Park Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service published their draft management plan for 5 newly designated Wild and Scenic rivers in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.  In a misguided 3-page legal argument they dismissed any consideration of allowing paddling on the rivers except where it is currently allowed.   They aim to maintain paddling bans on the following rivers: Upper Snake River: A remote and mellow hike-in pack-rafting river. Lower Lewis River: An

Earlier this month American Whitewater filed comments on the "assessment phase" of the forest planning process for the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests in Western North Carolina.  At this stage the Forest Service is interested in gathering scientific information sources and getting a feel for topics the public would like addressed through the planning process.   American Whitewater highlighted opportunities for enhancing the great work already done in the region in partnership with hydropower operators.  Specifically, the Cheoah, Tuckasegee, Nantahala, and

On Tuesday, June 11th, California's State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) will hold two public meetings about the proposed permanent cancellation of summer flushing/whitewater flows through the Pit River Canyon on the Pit 1 Hydroelectric Project. Between 2003 and 2009, summer flushing/whitewater flows restored 6 days of whitewater boating opportunities to the Pit River Canyon while improving water quality and curbing aquatic vegetaion and mosquito production. The summer flushing/whitewater flows were placed under a temporary suspension order in 2010 after

Lyons, Colorado – The Oskar Blues Burning Can Beer Fest (www.burningcan.com ) is back (June 1st) for the second year as part of the Lyons Outdoor Games (5/31 to 6/2) to bring you everything craft beer in a CAN offers: fresh, earth-friendly beer in a portable container that takes you to your next soul-saving outdoor adventure.   Oskar Blues Brewery invites all beer lovers to celebrate the REVOLUTION of big-flavored craft beers served up in cans in their hometown of

In late 2012, PG&E directly challenged the authority of California’s water quality agency to protect the beneficial uses of rivers impacted by hydropower projects. PG&E, which owns and operates a significant percentage of the hydropower dams in California, claimed that the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) lacks the authority to implement the Clean Water Act in relationship to required federal hydropower licenses. On Tuesday, May 7, American Whitewater and our partners testified at a hearing before the SWRCB, standing

  After talking with AW about it, Duke Energy has posted the following message about the planned release on Western North Carolina's West Fork of the Tuckasegee River this weekend:    "Lake Glenville is at full pond after 7 inches of rain over the region in the last several days. High inflow into the lake continues. Duke Energy is currently spilling 600 cfs into the bypass reach and will be unable to decrease the flow to provide the scheduled bypass

Stony Creek near Johnstown, PA is one of the finest class III+ rivers in the region. The Canyon section has many miles of interesting ledge and boulder rapids and lots of great play holes. Twenty years ago paddlers who inquired about releases from Quemahoning Reservoir and were told that a $500,000 valve was needed to let enough water go. After much groundwork the Stonycreek Quemahoning Initiative Inc., a nonprofit corporation formed by recreational, conservation, economic, and historical groups, raised over

Come see American Whitewater at the 2013 Deerfield Fest in Charlemont, MA on July 13th! Deerfield Fest is one of AW's largest fundraising events and the Northeast's biggest whitewater festival. Surrounded by a three day release schedule on the Deerfield River, it's going to be awesome. Vendors This year, booths are only $50! You can purchase one right now via our vendor registration form. Prices increase to $100 on July 5th. Volunteering We need your help! Each year we're depressingly short

  If you've made a donation or become a member of American Whitewater in the past year, we thank you! Our work to keep rivers to conserve and restore America's whitewater resources and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely would not be possible without your support.   If your membership has lapsed, or you haven't yet donated to American Whitewater but you're thinking about doing it soon, there's a way that you can make your contribution go further. Mark

If you want to find someone that can get things done, find someone that is busy because they are organized and can delegate tasks. Laura Dillon fits that description. She is a key part of Tallulah releases coordinating volunteers for those dates. When she is not busy with the Tallulah she can be found on southeastern rivers or volunteering her time with Team River Runner.  As a thanks for her efforts on the Tallulah, Laura will be receiving a Kokatat WoolCore

  Western North Carolina River Rescue Rodeo September 29th, 2013   10 Teams of 5 members with either canoes or decked boats compete in river rescue events for over $1000 worth of prizes on the Tuckasegee River in Dillsboro, NC. Teams compete in all events for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place as well as overall prizes. The event will be based out of Dillsboro River Company at the put-in to the Tuckasegee Gorge – Dillsboro, NC.   Rescue Rodeo Events Team

Green River, Utah – The Tusher Canyon Diversion structure, a 90-year old lowhead dam just upstream of the Town of Green River, is currently being reviewed for possible rehabilitation after the floods of 2011. The structure is the ONLY barrier to downstream navigability on the Green River from Flaming Gorge to Lake Powell, and American Whitewater is working to secure safe boat passage under various management alternatives. Project Status –  The NRCS and its contractors are currently developing a conceptual