Whitewater weekend
 

Just wondering if anything has been decided on the upcoming whitewater weekend? Count me in!

We are still watching the water levels and the weather forecast. More rain is expected and some of our prime whitewater creeks are still running high. Some information may be posted tonight, if not, Thursday for sure.

Bruce

Bruce, Do we have any plans for Pine Creek this year ?

Not this year. Scheduling did not work out.

Looking forward to this as well...

Do you guys think we'll be alright for the Whitewater runs with the 12 foot boats? I know it's longer that what's likely recommended for this, but I'm hoping we should still be able to slip down the river!

Most of the whitewater rivers a 12 foot boat will work. I have used my rec boat a lot before I bought a whitewater boat.
Most rivers we are looking at are straight forward crash and dash through a rapid, unless you want to surf and play in the rapid.

The only river I wouldn't go down in a 12 foot kayak is Slippery Rock Creek or Chagrin River Aurora Branch.

I would use extreme caution on Ashtabula River due to ledge drops

The other rivers that I normally do you would be ok.

A skirt is a must and a helmet is never a bad idea.

Mike Danko

I've been watching the forecast with a keen eye, hoping for a good weekend of paddling. The rain last night, and more coming tonight could bring good things.

Hard to tell if any of the small watershed creeks will be up till the day you want to paddle. Larger watershed creeks like Slippery Rock, Connie will hold longer, but can get really high levels as the tribs discharge. But if Paul is part of the team then you've got somebody who knows what to expect.

I'll definitely be heading out to do SOMETHING this weekend, and will post back what the outlook is. Depending on where the club paddles I might even see you out there.

Steve Z

EDIT: Just read Mike's tentative plans for this weekend. I'll almost certainly be heading into western PA for my paddling this weekend, unless the only thing going on is Beaver Creek. Hoping to get on Scrubgrass, Deer or Bear. Nothing terribly difficult but some experience with current is needed. Long boats might work on Deer Creek, but Scrubgrass & Bear are tight and rocky in many places. Interested paddlers are invited to come along.

I know personally I would love to hit some of the small creeks with you and Paul.

Mike

Thanks for the advice, Mike!

We'll be sure to break out the spray skirts and helmets this weekend.

Doubt I'll get to use the rudder much on the whitewater runs, ha!

Trying to analyze what the precip maps and USGS gauges are telling me.

Today would definitely be the day to hit the smaller Allegheny Gorge creeks. The question is what will hold for the next 24 hours. The bigger watershed whitewater creeks are HIGH. Slippery Rock Creek is at 2550 cfs and not dropping yet. Connoquennessing is at 2470 cfs and dropping. Clarion at Cooksburg is at 6500 cfs and still climbing, so it's likely that Toby Creek and Millstone Creek are running today.

I'm very tempted to try to cut out of work at noon and go while the going is good. But I guess I'll hold on till Saturday morning.

So my plan tomorrow is to head east on I-80 and get off at Clintonville to get a visual on Scrubgrass Creek (closest creek to the interstate and acts as a good gauge for other creeks in the area). If it looks to have a bunch of water I'll head down to Parker and see if Bear Creek is going. If not, and Scrubgrass looks like it has enough water, then Scrubgrass will be the run of the day. If the water has dropped out on both of those, then I'll head up towards Franklin and get on East Sandy Creek again.

Going to try to get out fairly early Saturday, but anyone wanting to explore is welcome to come along.

Looks like Ohio near Lake Erie got a good amount of rain as well, so those heading that way seem likely to have plenty of water. Anyone able to get a visual on Phelps Creek (between routes 322 & 534 near Windsor OH - best vantage point is at the covered bridge) please post it here (and thanks).

Steve Z