Nolichucky Flood Stage Kayaking
At typical water levels the Nolichucky River Gorge is a stretch of class III-IV whitewater, running from Poplar NC to Erwin TN, a river that I have enjoyed running for years. The latest big rain event created a river level near 20,000 cubic feet per second, soaring far above the average flow of 1340 cubic feet per second. This volume of water significantly complicates navigation of the gorge and raises the difficulty and danger of the river to class IV-V. It’s also loads of fun if you are up for the challenge.
– Spencer Cooke
USGS Nolichucky Gauge on 01.16.13
Train track and a hay stack in entrance rapid
x
Chris Gallaway in entrance rapid, just below the train bridge near the put in
Eric Stalowy at the end of entrance rapid with some big whirlpools
Eric scouting above On The Rocks
Eric and Chris eying a line through a very swollen Quarter Mile Rapid
Myself and Chris entering Quarter Mile
Old railroad tie beside Quarter Mile Rapid with a pine tree growing out of it
Boat scouting above Rooster Tail
Our group after Nolichucky, happy times
Photography and Edit by:
Spencer Cooke – Effort, Inc
Effort.tv
Additional Photography by:
Chris Gallaway – Horizonline Pictures
Horizonlinepictures.com
Soundtrack by:
Eric Stalowy
Song: Freedom
Ericstalowy.com
Bridge and Tunnel
Album: Rebuilding Year
Song: Hands
No Idea Records
New gear for 2013 that was used on this trip:
Accent Fluid Paddle – SR Standard Fullcut Duotone – IR Arch Rival Drysuit – IR Royale Skirt – Astral Greenjacket
