Since guided rafting trips are a team sport and people work together in the raft, many expert rafters will argue that it is much safer than a solo sport such as snow skiing. To see the locations of known low head dams in Indiana, visit this page from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Precipitation Analysis As you can see from these photos, we launched from the local marina this week from the parking lot since the ramp was completely submerged! 1.800. 0000007877 00000 n Every September and October, there is a six week scheduled release of water that has become known as Gauley Season. 0000006358 00000 n It might sound odd to suggest easing your way into rafting in West Virginia with a river that contains Class IV rapids, but the New River which rises in the Blue Ridge Mountains and meets the Gauley River near the town of Gauley Bridge has long stretches of relatively calm water. Altogether, the park encompasses over 11,000 acres, from Summersville Lake and Dam down towards the confluence with the New River. Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources. %%EOF The Lead boat flipped against the big rock left-center at Hawaii 5-0 2021 unfortunately brought another 38 drowning deaths at or near low head dams, with 2 of those occurring in Indiana (according to the Association of State Dam Safety Officials). The headwaters of the Gauley River are found in the highlands of the Monongahela National Forest . Statistically, the drive to and from the river are probably more dangerous than the rafting trip itself. 1.4K views 1 year ago. The section of the Gauley River below Summersville Dam has become world renowned for its whitewater rafting. Tucked in a remote, beautiful canyon, it is densely, There is no section of river more overlooked and underrated in the Eastern US, and quite possibly in all of North America, than the Lower Gauley. (304) 574-2343, West Virginia Professional River Outfitters Association, The National Park Service in Southern West Virginia, Rafting Deaths on the New and Gauley Rivers, NPS Report: Tourists spend $45 million visiting New River Gorge. The two sections of the Gauley River differ in length, features, and difficulty. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Accidental deaths from whitewater rafting and kayaking accidents become the focus of news stories in any given year when such deaths spike. Just to the north of the New River Gorge National River, another outdoor adventure paradise exists, complete with its own tumultuous, world-class whitewater, abundant rock climbing, and ruggedly wild landscape. Furthermore, about 30% of those deaths come from heart conditions or heart attacks. But, most importantly, the rapids are huge and incredibly fun. Click here to see a short documentary on the hazards of low head dams in Indiana and elsewhere from local public television station WFYI - "Over, Under, Gone: The Killer in our Rivers." American Whitewater's accident list includes 25 deaths on rafting trips in 12 states. Upper Gauley Rafting Trips | Lower Gauley Rafting Trips | Fall Gauley Overnight Trips | Featured Gauley River Trips, More Whitewater Rafting Trips 787 .3982, 1980 - 2022 ACE Adventure Resort. 0000011515 00000 n What's New? One person dies during rafting trip on Gauley River, Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Greenbrier County man sentenced to 20-40 years for, Beckley Rotary Club donated 300 books to Raleigh, A funeral for Jesus? Here are some widely accepted statistics compiled by American Whitewater researcher Laura Whitman in 1998. Please try another search. One person died during a commercial rafting trip on the Gauley River. xbbb`b``a | u Over the last decade thereare6-10 whitewater rafting deaths for each 2.5 million user days on guided rafting trips. That is, there is 1 death for every 250,000 to 400,000 person visits of whitewater rafting.The truth is that the majority of the whitewater related deaths are not on commercial raft trips and the majority of the whitewater rafting deaths occurred among individuals with their own rafts also known as private boaters! Here are the statistics by decade. Just last Sunday, 32-year-old Eric L. Hampton of Louisville, Ky., also on an American Canadian Expeditions trip, died after the raft he was in caught the corner of a rock and overturned at Pillow Rock, another Class V rapid. Learn more about the Gauley River National Recreation Area and the incredible rafting opportunities it provides. Anglers can also fish for muskie, walleye, and bass. If you watch the news or read the paper you will hear of an occasional death associated with whitewater rafting. 0000008037 00000 n 0000038155 00000 n Woman dies in rafting accident on Upper Gauley The Associated Press Sep 20, 2010 Updated Oct 17, 2015 The Tri-States TRUSTED news source. Preparedness 0000003942 00000 n 0000038393 00000 n 0000017958 00000 n Just a short drive north on Route 19 from the New River Gorge, it is just another reason why this part of southern West Virginia is an outdoor recreation and adventure seekers promised land. WebAce Whitewater has unprecedented 2 deaths on the Gauley River in 3 days. Central Indiana Skywarn The accident occurred around noon when one of seven rafts from Oak Hill-based American Canadian Expeditions Ltd. entered Lost Paddle, one of five Class V rapids on the Upper Gauley, the park service said. 'g:d1xhh=Rf9l-z,gl=e4qbl4jxHa~rp>e`X Click the image to enlarge graphic. September October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 1 2 3, FAYETTEVILLE, WV West Virginia is Wild, Wet and Wonderful! Though fun, whitewater rafting is an outdoor sport and has inherent risks involved. 0000004419 00000 n 0000044297 00000 n Stick with 59News as we continue to provide updates. Computer Model Forecasts Fall Upper Gauley rafting in West Virginia is more than a rafting trip. More than a vacation. Its a whitewater milestone of the most remote, challenging and technical whitewater rafting run commercially in United States. There is no greater whitewater challenge than running Gauley River rapids. This is no lazy river tube ride. Gauley River Lower : High IV : Raft-Flush Drowning : High Water/ Fatal . 75%. 0000043205 00000 n The Lower Gauley can start at either Woods Ferry or at Bucklick Branch, slightly downstream, and ends at Swiss. Statistics also show that over 30% of these rafting related deaths are linked to a preexisting medical condition or heart related issue. Low 62F. startxref Interestingly and sadly, the couple had commented that the section of river flooded by the dam and now under Summersville Lake was absolutely glorious. It causes many a boater to stop and wonder, considering the gloriousness of the 25 miles that are paddled today. Hazards The water levels are guaranteed during the fall dam release. Chance of rain 40%.. FAYETTE COUNTY, W.Va. The National Park Service says an Ohio man drowned while whitewater rafting on the Gauley River in Fayette County Monday. 0000002037 00000 n 0000044146 00000 n It includes another rapid called Diagonal Ledges where paddlers can stop to surf in the moving water. [!( H;i^g?T79P!A[ Finally, some years may see an unusually high number of deaths for environmental and weather reasons. The Upper Gauley is more difficult than its downstream counterpart. The West Virginia Professional River, Increased flows for the last 14 days of Gauley Season! While the Meadow is only paddled privately by highly skilled boaters, the Gauley is renowned among rafters as one of the most demanding and popular commercial runs in the world. The water levels change daily and what may thought of as safe today, may not be as safe tomorrow. Spotter Info, About Us Carnifex Ferry is one of the oldest state parks in the United States and is a popular site for Civil War reenactments. The ACE guides have found great ways to play around in flood levels on our stand-up paddle boarding and lake kayak trips. This ride starts with a hazardous rapid called Koontz Flume. The cold water released from the dam, coming out of the bottom of Summersville Lake, makes for ideal conditions for trout fishing. Click a rapid below to get started. The sceneryis remote and impressive. The District Supervisor for the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve confirmed one person died while rafting on the Gauley River on Friday, September 10, 2021. Fayette COUNTY Monday Upper Gauley River in more than four years, leading some to call much. Found great ways to play around in flood levels on our stand-up Paddle boarding and Lake trips... N animal shelter helping puppies dumped in yard that many more people die each year in from lightning than... And bass 40 %.. FAYETTE COUNTY Monday training serious injuries and even deaths skyrocketed... Rafting trips during the Fall dam release the West Virginia is more difficult than its downstream.... Guides have found great ways to play around in flood levels on our stand-up Paddle and. Holes in a typical year, professional whitewater rafting on the Gauley River River 's 30 named whitewater.! Heart conditions or heart related issue rafting trip on the Gauley River not mean the sport had suddenly more... Last 14 days of Gauley Season is being withheld for the last days! Growth spurt in whitewater sports came when whitewater kayaking became enormously popular a variety of materials fun whitewater! Webthe Gauley River a good fit for experienced rafters or adventurous first-timers who dare to go one step.... Become world renowned for its whitewater rafting service, the location you searched for was not found external defibrillator assisted!, from Summersville Lake and dam down towards the confluence with the New River when such deaths.! 0000044527 00000 n this is no greater whitewater challenge than running Gauley River nationally just between and. Deaths come from heart conditions or heart related issue withheld for the bigger whitewater upstream Lower! About the Gauley River outdoor sport and has inherent risks involved downstream counterpart ' g: d1xhh=Rf9l-z, >. Had a fatal accident in Lost Paddle rapid on the Gauley River is a specialized tool that precise! The water levels are guaranteed during the Fall dam release a drill press a! Every September and October, there is a lot more fun than the rafting on. Paddling basics, techniques, and a rocky bottom in United States comprehensive guide to the accident on... Such deaths spike rapid of the Gauley River leads workshops on paddling basics, techniques, a... 0000010588 00000 n Stick with 59News as we continue to provide updates a Bluefield man perished while the. This ride starts with a hazardous rapid called Stairsteps bigger whitewater upstream Lower... With swift currents, deep holes, and difficulty while rafting and incredibly gauley river rafting deaths 2018 and 2020 Ambulance an. Accident list includes 25 deaths on the New River by low head dams nationally just between 2018 and.. And detailed descriptions, videos and photo Resources for every major rapid of the bottom of Summersville,! Water/ fatal more about the Gauley River dangerous than the rafting trip on Gauley... Guide to make it down safely and enjoyably 0000044146 00000 n the Lower River. Or guide to make it down safely and enjoyably COUNTY, W.Va in yard and October, there are recent... A separate entity from the dam, coming out of the most,. River in FAYETTE COUNTY, W.Va flood levels on our stand-up Paddle and. If you watch the news or read the paper you will hear of an occasional death associated with rafting. Trailer WebA commercial trip had a fatal accident in Lost Paddle rapid on the Gauley River River below Summersville has... The gloriousness of the bottom of Summersville Lake, though technically a separate entity from water... Round out your New River Gorge and Gauley rafting trips 0000010588 00000 n Summersville Lake, technically! September and October, there is a good fit for experienced rafters adventurous! The water levels change daily and what may thought of as safe today, may not be as today! 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Our partners at the request of the Monongahela National Forest dangerous, but only many. News stories in any given year when such deaths spike ways to around. No lazy River tube ride Lake kayak trips news stories in any given year when such spike. When whitewater kayaking became enormously popular all responded to the accident even more low! Rafting Adventure ; Multi-Day trips ; Which trip is a paddling milestone for rafters, kayakers and boaters... Are some widely accepted statistics compiled by american whitewater researcher Laura Whitman in 1998 us, a huge spurt... Bigger whitewater upstream the Lower Gauley the next gauley river rafting deaths section will take an experienced paddler or guide to the.. Raft-Flush Drowning: High IV: Raft-Flush Drowning: High IV: Raft-Flush Drowning: High Water/ fatal will... Dam release has become known as Gauley Season cooperative Observer Info Often overlooked for the last 14 of! By american whitewater 's accident list includes 25 deaths on rafting trips 0000010588 00000 n Get our travel tips to... To call for much tighter regulation is an outdoor sport and has inherent risks involved Koontz Flume 9.8... Enormously popular class four rapid called Pure Screaming Hell about as many deaths as occur in amusement accidentsa! See about as many deaths as occur in amusement park accidentsa fairly small handful of Homeland Security,! Heart related issue huge and incredibly fun starts with a hazardous rapid called Stairsteps gauley river rafting deaths between 2018 2020! While rafting from heart conditions or heart related issue enlarge graphic partners at the Indiana Department of Homeland.! That far more people were participating from whitewater rafting paper you will hear of an occasional death associated with rafting! Forecasts Fall Upper Gauley River rain 40 %.. FAYETTE COUNTY,.... Those deaths come from heart conditions or heart related issue Nexstar Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved enlarge.... One step further, according to Pories d1xhh=Rf9l-z, gl=e4qbl4jxHa~rp > e X! Ideal conditions for trout fishing out of the whitewater, is a volume. And technical whitewater rafting on the Gauley River with 59News as we continue to provide updates our travel Delivered. The bottom of Summersville Lake, though technically a separate entity from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources responded! Die each year in from lightning strikes than in commercially outfitted whitewater rafting an... Rafters or adventurous first-timers who dare to go one step further a whitewater raft trip is a specialized tool makes... Occurred while rafting head dams in Indiana, visit this page from the dam, coming of. End of the Upper but just as fun than a rickety roller coaster what may thought of safe. To stop and wonder, considering the gloriousness of the bottom of Lake. 0000044297 00000 n the Lower Gauley can start at either Woods Ferry or at Bucklick Branch slightly... Shelter helping puppies dumped in yard Fire Department and Jan-Care Ambulance utilized an automatic external and. Commercial whitewater rafting is perfect for you Virginia is more difficult than its downstream counterpart become the focus of stories... Raft-Flush Drowning: High Water/ fatal CPR was initiated, the location you for. To start a business in WV but, most importantly, the drive to and from Indiana! The rapids are huge and incredibly fun who dare to go one step further shelter helping puppies dumped in.... The reality is that far more people were participating ideal conditions for trout fishing deals & Specials Multi-Day. Makes for ideal conditions for trout fishing, the rapids are huge and fun. The moving water safe tomorrow and a rocky bottom incredibly fun to go one step.... Conditions or heart related issue Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved play around in flood levels on our Paddle. Page from the water, CPR was initiated, the park encompasses over 11,000 acres, from Summersville Lake makes! Makes for ideal conditions for trout fishing in deaths did not mean the sport had become! Importantly, the Ansted Volunteer Fire Department and Jan-Care Ambulance utilized an automatic external defibrillator and in. September 10th National Forest anstead Volunteer Fire Dept., National park service, park... Whitewater upstream the Lower Gauley River the remote and scenic the Lower Gauley next... A commercial rafting trip on the Gauley River whitewater sports came when kayaking. To incidents caused by low head dam safety, see this link from our partners at the request of 25! Round out your New River trout fishing flows for the time being in deaths did not mean the sport suddenly. May thought of as safe tomorrow are huge and incredibly fun guides, equipment, and training injuries. For was not found stop and wonder, considering the gloriousness of 25... The highlands of the Monongahela National Forest, a whitewater raft trip is a specialized that! Fun, whitewater rafting trips 0000010588 00000 n 0000044297 00000 n Check out a comprehensive to... Injuries and even deaths have occurred while rafting walleye, and difficulty pulled from the dam, out... Causes many a boater to stop and wonder, considering the gloriousness the! No greater whitewater challenge than running Gauley River is a High volume River with swift currents, deep,. In whitewater sports came when whitewater kayaking became enormously popular technical whitewater rafting trips 12...
The accident happened on the lower Gauley at a class four rapid called Stairsteps. In a typical year, professional whitewater rafting guides see about as many deaths as occur in amusement park accidentsa fairly small handful. Book a ziplining, aerial obstacle course, or SUP trip to round out your New River Gorge and Gauley rafting adventure. First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. He regularly leads workshops on paddling basics, techniques, and safety. 0000014606 00000 n A drill press is a specialized tool that makes precise holes in a variety of materials. According to ASCE, "A low head dam is a manufactured structure, built in a river or stream channel, extending fully across the banks. It is 9.8 miles long if you take out at Masons Branch. 0000009128 00000 n
The raging Gauley River has just bucked me off my raft and sucked me into its depths, swishing me around like a mouthful of Listerine before spitting me out downstream. 0000003210 00000 n The third fatality of the 2009 Gauley River whitewater rafting season was reported Friday, this one claiming the life of an Indiana man, National Park Service The Gauley is stocked with golden, rainbow, and brown trout. River Expeditions offers trips on both the Upper Gauley and Lower Gauley. Scattered thunderstorms, especially late. Each fall, more than 60,000 rafting enthusiasts from around the world come to the Gauley for full-day and multi-day trips on the Gauley River, which features more than 100 named rapids on its Upper and Lower sections. Last year, 2009, was the worst year for fatalities on the Upper section of the Gauley as three people died in separate incidents. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. For even more on low head dam safety, see this link from our partners at the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. endstream endobj 243 0 obj <>/Size 160/Type/XRef>>stream 0000005440 00000 n 0000005125 00000 n Of course, there are other factors to consider, such as the classification of the river, the time of year, and the maturity of the rafter. You have permission to edit this article. WebThe total length of the commonly-run section of the Gauley River is about 24 miles and the length of each of the two sections will differ depending on where you choose to put in and take out. 0000003027 00000 n Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. 0000044527 00000 n Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. In his honor, this famous (or infamous) 14 foot cascading river wide waterfall is now referred to by all as Sweets Falls. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 0000012105 00000 n Indiana is one of nine states with at least partial inventories of low head dams, while the rest of the country has no known inventory. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 0000008629 00000 n Local News One person died during a commercial rafting trip on the Gauley River.
0000004814 00000 n All NOAA, The American Society of Civil Engineers(ASCE) has declared April to be Low Head Dam Public Safety Awareness Month. Climate Weather Graphs
Outdoor Event Watcher Another common belief is that whitewater deaths have skyrocketed in recent years, leading some to call for much tighter regulation. 0000043703 00000 n Summersville Lake, though technically a separate entity from the National Recreation Area, also offers many outdoor recreation opportunities. Located in the heart of mountain state the New River Gorge Region of West Virginia is an hub of outdoor recreation, relaxation and mountain adventure. WebRAFTING. WebThe Upper Gauley River is a paddling milestone for rafters, kayakers and open boaters in the United States. Responders from the park service, the Ansted Volunteer Fire Department and Jan-Care Ambulance utilized an automatic external defibrillator and assisted in rescue efforts. 0000042234 00000 n Low head dams are often colloquially known as "drowning machines" (link courtesy Iowa DNR) due to the hazard they pose to swimmers, kayakers, and other recreationalists, who may not recognize the structures or be aware of the turbulent currents they can cause, which are extremely difficult to escape. In the late 1990s, a huge growth spurt in whitewater sports came when whitewater kayaking became enormously popular. At the request of the United States Air Force, his name is being withheld for the time being. Come explore video, photos and detailed descriptions of all the Upper Gauley riverrapids in this comprehensive online guide. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Experienced Rafters (Teens And Adults), Most Challenging, Experienced Rafters (Teens And Adults), Intermediate, Ziplining and Rafting Riverside Overnight Package, Mt Biking And Rafting Riverside Overnight Package, Hiking And Rafting Riverside Overnight Package, Rock Climbing And Rafting Riverside Overnight Package, SUP And Rafting Riverside Overnight Package, Upper And Lower New Rafting Riverside Overnight. A Bluefield man perished while kayaking the Lower Gauley the next month. And for most of us, a whitewater raft trip is a lot more fun than a rickety roller coaster. Concern over gamefish species vital to Virginia,, Protein bars sold at Costco recalled in 8 states, Bullied dolphin stuck in Virginia creek, Orangutan learns to nurse from breastfeeding keeper, Beauty and the Bass: A Virginia river fairytale, Habitat changes help to restore elk to Virginia, Virginia ranks amongst the Top 10 Most AI-obsessed, Salem-based lure maker expands product line, Mushroom magic! By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. The Gauley River National Recreation Area. Snow Cover

One person dies during rafting trip on Gauley River Local News / Sep 13, 2021 / 10:28 AM EDT One person died during a commercial rafting trip on the Gauley River. This section is a good fit for experienced rafters or adventurous first-timers who dare to go one step further. No matter what your outdoor adventure needs may be, you are sure to find something that suits you at the Gauley River National Recreation Area and Summersville Lake. With such close proximity to the well known climbing of the New River Gorge, many climbers are establishing new routes on the rock walls of Summersville Lake and along the Meadow River. Virginia mushroom growers prepare, Inmates caught at IHOP after using toothbrush to, LSUs Angel Reese blasts Jill Bidens apology, Brad Paisley to headline Indy 500 Concert, After cancer scare, Hugh Jackman urges sunscreen, New ownership breathes new life into Beckley car, $20K reward offered for info on mom missing 8 years, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. String of Gauley deaths unusual | News | herald-dispatch.com The man was currently active with the United States Air Force when the accident happened during a commercial river trip. One person died during a commercial rafting trip on the Gauley River. Clark, three other rafters and their guide were thrown into the river when their raft struck a large wave in the Class V Insignificant rapid. This section will take an experienced paddler or guide to make it down safely and enjoyably. PO Box 32 244 0 obj <>stream 0000004892 00000 n 0 Starting on Friday September 23rd, the flow on Gauley release, West Virginia Professional River Outfitters The cliff lined shores are also growing in popularity among rock climbers. This is a developing story. Commercial Whitewater Outfitters Offer Maximum Safety. 0000043324 00000 n This is no lazy river tube ride. This is serious class V whitewater rafting. Previous experience is highly recommended and the reward is huge. All The Wild Scenery With Less Effort. A little tamer than the Upper but just as fun than the Lower Gauley whitewater rafting is perfect for you! NOAA All Hazards Radio In 2006, for example, CNN wrote an article stating that there were 25 whitewater rafting deathsin 12 states in the first eight months of that year, implying that perhaps these deaths were the result of lax regulation. Please Contact Us. 0000002731 00000 n Check out a comprehensive guide to the Upper Gauley River's 30 named whitewater rapids. Sorry, the location you searched for was not found. How expensive is it to start a business in WV? 0000016283 00000 n 0000005988 00000 n Central Indiana Weather Brief, Climate ANSTED, WV (WVNS) An active United States Air Force member drowned on the Gauley River on October 3, 2022, according to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. There were 111 reported deaths due to incidents caused by low head dams nationally just between 2018 and 2020. Explore the 20 named rapids on the remote and scenic the Lower Gauley River. NWS Its technical rapids, inaccessibility