Gauley
River
Truly a world-class whitewater river, the Ninth Annual World
Rafting Championships were held on the Gauley
River in September of 2001, with five-hundred of the
world's best whitewater rafters competing in the biggest and most
exciting whitewater rafting event in the world.
Whitewater companies typically categorize the
Gauley River as two sections --
Upper Gauley and Lower Gauley.
Upper
Gauley
The Upper Gauley River features Class III to V+ rapids with drops
through steep, turbulent chutes and rocky routes that
demand constant maneuvering. This section requires
experience, and rafters must be 16 or older. The lower,
12-mile stretch includes Class III-to-V whitewater rapids, and
rafters must 12-to-14, depending upon the outfitter.
Lower
Gauley
The
Lower Gauley River is often run as a warm-up for a day on the
upper section. The Gauley River rages for 20 days in autumn,
during Gauley Season when Summersville Reservoir is
lowered to accommodate snowmelt. Because of limited
space and intense popularity, reservations for Gauley River whitewater rafting trips must book
quickly.
Gauley Season
During Gauley Season, which runs from early September until
mid-October, tens of thousands of rafting enthusiasts converge on the
canyon of the Gauley River to enjoy some of the best whitewater
rafting in the
U.S. Water levels are then increased as Summersville Lake, upstream, is drawn down to its
winter pool. In 2005 the Army Corps of Engineers extended the draw down
period an extra day to accommodate more rafting and kayaking.
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Gauley
River
release
dates,
2005 |
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October
15,
2005
is
the
date
of
the
annual
Bridge
Day
Festival |
Gauley River Streamflow Data
Current River Gauge Levels: Gauley River -- Current
streamflow data from the USGS showing current (updated
hourly) river gauge levels for the Gauley River in West
Virginia.
How
Whitewater Rapids are Classified
Whitewater rapids are categorized from Class I-VI. Class I is
considered easy. Class II is novice. Class III is
intermediate. Class IV is advanced. Class V is expert.
Class VI is almost impossible. Visit WV Explorer for more information on
whitewater rafting in West Virginia.
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