American Whitewater received notice yesterday that GA Power is canceling May Tallulah boating releases. GA Power first delayed the usual April flows and tentatively moved releases to May due to ongoing repairs of dam gates damaged in August 2010. Below is an excerpt of a letter that GA Power sent to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to inform the commission that the repairs to the dam have not been completed. In the letter GA Power states, "Due to the uncertainty that exists at this time, and the lead time and effort required for the whitewater flows, we consider it prudent to cancel the spring whitewater flows for 2011."

Excerpt from GA Power letter FERC:

"The repair work on the Tallulah Falls Dam spillway gates has not gone as quickly as we had hoped. This is due partly to weather-related delays and partly due to additional work that had to be done. Considerable work yet remains to be done. The work must be examined and approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission prior to resuming normal operation of the Tallulah Falls Dam.

Therefore there exists considerable uncertainty as to the date that Tallulah Falls Dam will be operationally able to support the aesthetic flows and whitewater flows through Tallulah Gorge. We recognize that there is very significant effort and considerable lead time necessary to organize the volunteer force to safely conduct the whitewater flows. We also recognize that the individuals who travel to Tallulah Falls to take part in the whitewater flows do so at considerable expense and commitment of time.

Due to the uncertainty that exists at this time, and the lead time and effort required for the whitewater flows, we consider it prudent to cancel the spring whitewater flows for 2011."

Background on dam repairs:

Back on August 21, 2010 a heavy rainfall occurred in Northeast Georgia that resulted in the lake reaching an elevation at which water was flowing over several dam gates. One of the gates broke in this event and the dam has been under repair for over six months. To download a letter from GA Power to inform FERC of fall 2010 flow cancellation click here.

Tallulah Fest May 13-15 presented by BBB paddling is still taking place

Get ready for an outdoor festival thrown by a bunch of kayakers. Tallulah Fest will feature games, camping, live entertainment Friday and Saturday night, kayaking videos presented by John Grace, over $1,000 worth of gear to be raffled away, giveaways, some friendly competition and a whole lot more all located at River Campground in Lakemont, Ga. The Chattooga River is just a few miles away as well as several other great runs nearby if the water is right! All proceeds of Tallulah Fest are being donated to American Whitewater. Check here to find Tallulah Fest details.