Raccoon Creek - 4/12/15

[brucea]

Raccoon Creek (Pennsylvania)
Green Garden Plaza (Aliquippa) to the St. Joe Boat Club (Potter Twp) - 10 miles
When - Sunday, April 12, 2015
Time: 11:00 AM
Meeting Place will be at the takeout: St Joe Boat Club - GPS 40.65374, -80.34786

On Sunday, April 12th, we will paddling Raccoon Creek. Raccoon Creek is a small class I/II creek. There are 2 class II rapids. On the last 3 miles of the trip, you will need to be able to maneuver your kayak/canoe. There is one known strainer in this trip and we may have to portage it. The put in is primitive but manageable. We will work as a team to get everyone in. We did a test run on the March 29th without any problems. Please bring a snack or a small lunch, we will stop about half way through the trip for a break. After the trip, we will be going to Bowsers to eat. Instruction on how to get there will be given to you after the paddle.

Please be aware that Raccoon Creek is only canoeable 22% of the time, so a back up trip will be planned in case of low water. The lowest I would be willing to make this run would be 2.2ft. It is very important that you check this board and keep informed on the trip status. Please check this board the night before the trip and before you leave so there is no disappointment on your part.

Please e-mail me at bea59@comcast.net or post to the board if you are coming. My home phone is 724-384-8165 if you have any questions. My cell phone is 724-513-8508, please only call this number on trip day.

Please call me using your land line or cell, not Skype. It's turned off.

The water gauge
http://www.learningdesign.com/cgi-local/rivergage



Directions - To the take out. We will shuttle up to the put in.
For those without a GPS:

Follow OH-14 E (Turns into PA-51 S)
Continue onto PA-51 S for 10 miles
Turn right onto I-376 E Pittsburgh for 8 miles
Take exit 39 to PA -18S toward Shippingport for 2.0 miles
You will see a light green Bridge - Turn left after the Bridge
This is Raccoon Creek RD. You will see the boat club.
OR
Take the Ohio Turnpike
To I-376 E towards Pittsburgh
Take exit 39 to PA -18S toward Shippingport for 2.0 miles
You will see a light green Bridge - Turn left after the Bridge
This is Raccoon Creek RD. You will see the boat club.
OR
Coming from East Liverpool, Ohio Area
Go to PA-68E/Midland Road
Continue onto PA-168S
Take Exit of left toward Shippingport Bridge
Turn left onto Shippingport Rd
Stay on Shippingport RD
Go to PA-18 N stay 6 miles
You will see a light green Bridge - Turn right before the bridge
This is Raccoon Creek RD. You will see the boat club

[EAR]

Bruce, I plan on going, but what would be the "to high to go " number on the gauge?
Ed

[brucea]

Good question Ed. Of all the sources I have on Raccoon Creek, there is no high listed on any chart or in any book. I will be scouting it today. I check it yesterday and thought it was still canoeable but a lot of water has been added since. My biggest fear was not enough water for this trip and not to much water. The highest I have ever done this was at 2.8 ft. The low listed in most sources is 2.4 to 2.5 ft.

To all club members, please keep checking this board for updates on this trip.


Bruce Ambrose

[Mary Kane]

Count me in on the Raccoon Creek Sunday, (I'm hoping to catch a ride with Ed Rigby). Thanks for the "new" venture, Bruce - looking forward to it!

[brucea]

Due to the current high level, extremely swift currents, and washed out put in and take out, the Raccoon Creek trip for Sunday April 12 has been cancelled and is being rescheduled for April 19 at 11:00 AM. My decision was made after scouting the creek and discussions with other club members. The safety of all club members were my number one concern. I hope to see everyone on April 19. If your going out in the water this weekend please be safe.


Bruce Ambrose