O.C.T. Jackson River – Gathright Dam Pulse Release- Wed, 6/26/24

[PaddleBear]

Background - Periodically (once a month in late spring, summer, and early fall), the Norfolk District in coordination with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, releases excess water from the Gathright Dam Army Corps of Engineers - https://www.nao-wc.usace.army.mil/nao/projected_Q.html The pulse is drained from the bottom of the reservoir and therefore the water temperature is ~50 F. This “pulse” of water is released into the Jackson River starting at approximately 6 a.m. and ends at 1:30 p.m. We have found that starting our paddle at ~11:00 AM (peak of the water release which is level with the water gauge house wire platform boat launch) is optimal. Starting at 11:00 – the pulse release is cut back and the peak water goes down by about .5 inches per minute (by 11:30 the water level is 8-12 inches lower than the wire platform boat launch). The 11:00 start allows for the most dramatic wave trains. This peak water level also washes out much of the river bank debris, mud, and the water runs clear. The peak pulse release will be 3,500 cfs and will increase levels 3 to 4.5 feet in the Jackson River producing excellent and fun wave trains.

For those new to the “pulse” release, this is a swift 17-mile class I – II+ run (approximate 3.5 hour run), with several excellent class II+ wave trains blended with periodic Class I riffles to give you a break from the excitement. There is one class III- rapid (~200 yards long) right below the dam. You can choose to run it or skip it, your choice. Usually, about 25% the group runs the top class III rapid and the other 75% puts in just below the rapid at the water gauge house wire mesh boat launch.

Remember, this is a dam release. The water will be cold (high 50 F), so dress appropriately. The flow will be high, so anticipate strong and erratic currents in places. Even though this is a relatively easy run with very few obstacles to navigate, the high flow necessitates that everyone be strong swimmers. This is not a new beginner run; this is a high beginner/low novice minimum run. Only experienced Class II+ paddlers on the top Class III rapid, please. Optimal boat choice would be a white water boat with some rocker to the hull design to efficiently ride the wave trains. Recommend a water proof roll skirt if you have one. Alternatively, a canoe with float bags and a skilled canoeist do very well. Several of us have run this pulse many times with a recreational kayak – bring a spray skirt if you have it and you will most definitely need a bailing pump as wave train splashes of water enter the boat at each wave train. Sit on top kayaks are not recommended with the exception of those rated for Class II (e.g., Liquid Logic Coupe).

We will launch from the wire mesh put-in at the water gauge house at ~11:00 with the peak water level of the pulse and the riven water is level with the wire mess cage launch point. We will launch in buddy boat groups (stick together for potential water recovery assistance) of 2-6 boats. Maintain appropriate distance during rapids to enable good maneuverability of each boat.

We will stop river left at approximately half way for a 30-minute lunch/leg stretch break just after Smith Bridge at the Smith Bridge River Access (river left). Excellent dock and landing/launch on bank with a beautiful field to catch shade or sun. There are no restrooms or potable water. Critical that we don’t get back on the river too soon (we will catchup to brown water/debris) or too late (we will miss the right level to maximize wave train fun).

We will end the day river left at the public park next to Alleghany Outdoors, 1903 Dressler Dr, Covington, VA 24426 @ ~3:00-3:30. Look for a large orange ball hanging in a tree mid-river – directing you river left – then look for a field lined by a wooden fence. At the end of the fence is the concrete boat ramp.

Weather – will likely be in the 60-70s at this time of year. This is an all-weather go event.

Schedule:
Meet at the take out at the Intervale Trail Head (Public Park), 1903 Dressler Dr, Covington, VA next to Alleghany Outdoors, 1903 Dressler Dr, Covington, VA 24426 @ 10:00 sharp. There is ample parking at the park, flush toilets, and potable water. Timing on the pulse is everything, please be prompt (we don’t want to miss those exceptional wave trains)! Depart by 10:15 to shuttle boats, people, equipment to put-in.
Goal is to be at the put-in at Gathright Dam, 100 Stilling Basin Road, Hot Springs, VA at 10:30. If you are planning on running the top Class III section from the dam to the water gauge house, please put in at the base of the dam immediately and meet the rest of group at the water gauge house wire mess boat launching area NLT 10:55. There has historically been porta pottys and no potable water at the base of the dam and no porta pottys or potable water at the water gauge house wire mess boat launching area.

Please respond to this posting or text me to let us know you are going. Don’t just show up with no notice. Having an accurate head count helps in the efficient shuttle planning.

Bring a lunch and plan to spend the day with us. It is a good idea to bring a change of dry clothes for after the run.
Plan on joining us for the remaining Pulse Releases Schedules for 2024 posted at - https://www.nao-wc.usace.army.mil/nao/projected_Q.html :
• JULY 17
• AUG 7
• AUG 28
• SEP 18
• OCT 9

Brian
Brianschultz22@protonmail.com
Text at 703-627-9922

[PaddleBear]

Save the date 6/26 - fun run on the peak of the Jackson Pulse release form Gathright Dam

[saramacca]

I’m going to try to make it

[PaddleBear]

Save the date - always a fun continuous class 1 with lots of class II wave trains. Note we are watching the weather carefully. The rain water in the mountains around Covington, VA have been minimal this season. We hope that the water levels will he high enough that they will do the scheduled pulse release. Keep checking here for status. We may not know until the day before if they are going to cancel the pulse (because the officials that control the dam water levels may not know). If the pulse release is canceled, then this paddle will be canceled. Let it RAIN!

[PaddleBear]

Allen confirmed that they pulse is being released - game on - there will be a pulse and we are going. If you want to go let us know so we have a good idea of who will need to be included in the shuttle.