Coastals

O.C.T - 06/07/08 - Cheat Narrows Trip - CANCELED

This trip is an intermediate level trip. The trip will be run if the level is between .5 to 2.5 ft on the gauge below. At 3 ft and above rescues become a lot more difficult and the trip becomes an advanced trip. More details will be posted this week.

http://www.americanwhitewater.org/conte ... l_id_2346_

http://www.americanwhitewater.org/conte ... l_id_2346_

http://www.americanwhitewater.org/conte ... 2346_below.

http://www.wvu.edu/~src/orc/photogaller ... 88_JPG.htm

A Report from a Cheat Narrows Trip


"This was always a "good one" That's why they call it "The Cheat."
Since route 72 parallels this section of river, there are several access points. However, the whitewater section starts opposite the caves which are about three miles below Rowlesburg. The action ends at Lick Run.
This gives the paddler a 5 mile trip of good class 2-3 action.
Gauges: The Albright Bridge correlation can be used. Also, consider the gauge at route 50 near Rowlesburg for flow rate.
Shortly after put-in, the class 2 rock gardens begin with "Cave Rapid" The higher the water level . . . . . The bigger the waves.
The beginning of the trip is just a prelude to what is about to come your way.
The river widens and becomes shallow with riffles. This marks the lead-in to "Calamity Rock" (class 3).
Work towards river right. Some may want to catch the eddy on the right bank.
Scout if in doubt!
http://www.easternpaddling.com/CALME.JPG
It was kickin' pretty good that day. (9-1-03) 1740 cfs @ rt. 50 2.8' @ Albright Bridge.
Photos from my first time down (6-26-03) 1150 cfs @ rt. 50 1.54' Albright Bridge virtual gauge.
http://www.easternpaddling.com/CAL3TN.JPG
rapid is right around the bend. "Wind Rapid" (class 3)
Big waves!
Working your way from left to right to avoid the big stuff can be interesting. Sometimes ya just gotta "go with it"
http://www.easternpaddling.com/WINDTN.JPG
Let's not forget about "Rocking horse" (class 3) You'll ride this one for about a hundred yards
http://www.easternpaddling.com/ROCKINGTN.JPG
Before the take-out there are some good play spots and a technical boulder garden."

Cave Rapid
http://www.easternpaddling.com/Cave%20Rapid%205.jpg

Next Rapid
http://www.easternpaddling.com/CN%20Bru ... th%202.jpg

Calamity Rapid
http://www.easternpaddling.com/CN%20Zet ... lamity.jpg

Wind Rapid
http://www.easternpaddling.com/CN%20Wind%20Rapid.jpg

Rocking Horse Rapid
http://www.easternpaddling.com/CN%20Top ... 0Horse.jpg
http://www.easternpaddling.com/CN%20Bru ... 0Rapid.MOV

Creek Line
http://www.easternpaddling.com/CN%20Bru ... ie%202.MOV

Trip Details

The trip will require some watching as the water level will dictate what we do for the day. The plan as of now is to meet at Bell’s Grocery at 9:00 am Saturday Morning. We will set shuttle and run the Narrows. Depending on time, we can run the Narrows a second time or take a 50 mile trip to the N.Branch of the Potomac and make a late run there (the Dam has been releasing at about 1000 CFS lately). I plan only a one day trip so an early start is necessary.

I need positive indication that you are going by Thursday evening as this is a long drive and if not enough interest is shown then I will cancel the trip.

Meeting Place - Bell's Rowlesburg Grocery, Rowlesburg WV

http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?ed=bi ... qty=8&ds=g

Directions From Richmond
http://maps.yahoo.com/dd_result.php?q1= ... 3=&q4=&q5=

North Branch of the Potomac
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/conte ... l_id_2430_

http://www.americanwhitewater.org/conte ... l_id_2430_

Directions from Cheat Narrows to Boomington
http://maps.yahoo.com/dd_result.php?q1= ... 3=&q4=&q5=

Hey Richard,
If the Cheat is too high, why not just run one of the Forks or something else in the area, or go run the N. Branch. There's plenty in the area to keep it an intermediate trip.
I'm in for a day trip. Gota get away. Please don't cancel the whole shootin match.
Ol' Geez

What is the N. Branch like at 2500 cfs?

Three of us may be game if not too crazy. Web site for releases seems to indicate 2500 cfs for the next 2-3 days due to all the rain. We see ourselves as strong intermediate boaters who push the edge if the company we keep has skills and knowledge of the rivers.

http://www.nab-wc.usace.army.mil/northBranch.html

Seems likely there will be water and perhaps then some.

We may be interested in other rivers in area if others are around who know them, etc. Our back up plan is Wisp WW center and/or other river for Saturday.

Looks like Lower Yough or Stonycreek for Sunday. Stonycreek if water level is good. Local boating club is running a trip on the Stony on Sunday and we have never done it.

Don.

Cheat Narrows Trip Canceled

http://www.americanwhitewater.org/conte ... l_id_2347_
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/conte ... l_id_2346_

Way to much water for Intermediate Trip. The rest of the Cheat basin looks pushy as well. The N. Branch could be a choice but it too is high and maybe releasing more water by the weekend.

There seems to be other trips posted that may fit a Class 2/3 trip for Intermediate paddlers. I plan on running the James Saturday morning meeting at 7:00 am at 14th St.

YOAD,

Sorry to hear the Cheat trip got cancelled - it was because I couldn't go!!! But I'm happy to be paddling the Lower with y'all Saturday. See you at 14th street @ 7am Sat. morning.