Based on my meteorological expertise (not), and current levels, I am thinking the Russell Fork will be the best option. The lake is starting to creep towards summer pool levels, which could allow them to turn the spicket back on, but I'm not sure it'll make it to the target by friday. Right now it's all natural flow. Plus, the RF is not too far out of the way to the clinic. Of course the Noli will be running, but we'll be there all weekend. Jaws will definitely be at a decent play level for some after class surfin tho. The Big Rocks spot has been altered for the better since last yrs clinic, but I think the Noli will be too high for this feature to be good. I think the Watauga will most likely drop out, but I have run it down to about 150cfs and it's still fun at those ELF levels. Stateline by itself makes the run worth doing. I hear from Hanley that the Elk is a good one to ELF, and I have yet to catch that one. My other thought was to drive a little outa the way and hit the Green Nrws if it runs (which I think it will). I'd love to show some first timers down this magical run this yr! I'm also open to suggestions as I would like to paddle w some of my BWA peeps.

Clay

The Russell Fork is a good three hour drive from the Noli. The Watauga may drop out, but I hold out some hope. The gauge on the Doe is apparently broken. Looking online in google I find that the NOAA observed level right now is over 700 CFS, which is rockin.!

http://ahps.srh.noaa.gov/tabular.php?gid=doet1&wfo=mrx&pedts=hgirg

This correlates pretty well to a decent level on the Elk, which doesn't require much water at all and will be a memorable trip for anyone who's never done it.

Looking at the current water, I'd say it's a pretty sure bet that the Elk will be in and the Big Laurel will be in and Wilson's Creek will be in. The Watauga may be in, depending on what happens in the next few days. The Doe is likewise a maybe. Lots to think about.

Hanley

Excellent Hanley! All those sound good to me after breakfast, no sooner than 10 a.m. on Sat. Love the Elk, Watauga and the Doe. Never been on the Big Laurel. Been a long long time since I was on Wilson Creek. Are they having a Clinic over there, I think I heard?
Brent

Could be. Big Laurel isn't as hairy as the rest of those. I like to call it the trainer creek. It's big single track class III creeking (with one class V+ notch way off in a corner) but beautiful, fun and a great place to give underexperienced boaters their first taste of creeking.

Just checked the weathter map and it's raining down there right now. Additionally, there's thundershowers predicted for the next few days, so I hold out lots of hope.

It's been years since I've had a chance to do the Doe, one of my favorite creeks. It's been years since I've had the chance to do any of these, so I'm eager for the opportunity.

Hanley

What options will be available for those of us not ready for a full-on class IV and above run?

Say, something in the III/III+ range?

I might just have my own combat roll clinic on Friday, but if water is available and I could hop on a creek, that would be super.

bethany

Liz and I will be there to paddle Friday... down for whatevers running. Any predictions on if NFFB will go?

Bethany, the Big Laurel is screaming your name. Still, we may have a surf-fest going on Friday as previously mentioned, so be sure to check with me.

No guess on the North Fork of the French Broad, but that is an incredible stretch of creek. I've only done it once and it is etched deep into my memory. At the time, Blind Date at Boxcar was the biggest drop I had ever run. Whoo hoo!

Hanley

I would like to paddle one or two creeks this weekend do you think they will be running Sat. or Sun.?

Mark Dossett

Doesn't look like the rain did much. There was a Wilson visual on BT that said -4". I know you can go lower, but I don't know that its worth a 1.5hr drive from camp.

By Sat./Sun. I think all the creeks discussed will be too low (Doe, Watuaga, Big Laurel, Wilson). No way NFFB is running without more rain.

Clay is right, Friday's best option for creeking is RFG and it only adds what 30 mins or so to the overall drive time if you detour driving down through Pikeville.

Or the Green if it releases. Else, Noli Gorge will have good water all weekend obviously.

Hard to say what's going on with the Doe. The 'Chucky got a little extra rain and things aren't looking too shabby down there right now. Doe is still running 369 by the TVA gauge. If it's 300 or better in the morning, that's probably where I'm headed.

Folks wanting to hook up tomorrow call me on my cell. ate 59- ate 06-98 for 3

Leave a message as I may not consistently be in range, but I'll be checking.

Hanley