HIGH WATER ADVISORY FOR THE GAULEY RIVER

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced a higher than normal whitewater release for World Kayak's Canyon Doors Freestyle Festival on Tuesday, September 20, 2011. Summersville Dam will release to 4700 cfs from 5:30 - 11:00 am; afterwards, the release will gradually drop to 700 cfs over the next 8 hours. This is significantly more water than our regular weekend Gauley releases of 2800 cfs. The added water makes all sections, especially the Upper Gauley, more challenging. Paddlers utilizing the special release should exercise caution to avoid unpleasant surprises. Signs advising boaters of the flow increase will be posted by the National Park Service at all major access areas.

Donnie Hudspeth of Mountain Air Productions says, "This is a fantastic opportunity to highlight our region and our wonderful whitewater resources. The event will have video production to be distributed through many channels showing the Gauley River in all it's glory.  With whitewater kayaking seeing more exposure through mainstream marketing campaigns, this is truly a great opportunity for us here."