Gauge Description:

This is a dam release river that runs primarily on weekends, March through October. Normal summertime releases on the Lower Ocoee are 1250 cfs.

Very, very rarely does this level drop lower than 1000, even in times of severe drought. Occasionally, the flow will be higher, up to 1400-1500 cfs, especially when the Upper Ocoee is also running. This additional flow has little affect on the bigger rapids, though some of the famed (and finicky) playspots get better or worse with a few hundred cfs variation. The highest recommended flow for a safe run down the Ocoee is 4000 cfs, although the crazies have run the river up to at least 12,000 cfs.

Check the TVA release schedule for specific dates and times.

We also advise watching message boards, as numerous times there have been landslides and other events which sporadically have caused 24/7 releases.