gauley river rafting deaths

16. November 2022 No Comment

Low head dams have frequently played a role in deaths and injuries along Indiana waterways - From 2010 to May 2020, the state of Indiana documented 25 deaths near or at low head dams, with at least 17 peopleinjured and 50 rescued at dams of all types. Another notable story of Gauley legends is that of kayaker John Sweet. In 1968, he became the first known paddler to successfully run The Devils Backbone rapid. Graphical Carnifex Ferry is one of the oldest state parks in the United States and is a popular site for Civil War reenactments. 0000008551 00000 n This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Text River Forecasts 0000028274 00000 n All NOAA, The American Society of Civil Engineers(ASCE) has declared April to be Low Head Dam Public Safety Awareness Month. 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. Multiple locations were found. Located on the northwest side of the Recreation Area, Carnifex Ferry is a 157 acre park that sits on the rim of the Gauley River Canyon. Furthermore, about 30% of those deaths come from heart conditions or heart attacks. 0000010410 00000 n Graphical Hazards Outlook American Whitewater reports that on average, there are only 6 to 10 whitewater rafting deaths for each 2.5 million user days on guided rafting trips. Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources. endstream endobj 243 0 obj <>/Size 160/Type/XRef>>stream Computer Model Forecasts With over one hundred rapids in the 25 miles, a trip down the Gauley is not a relaxing float trip, but instead an adrenaline rush induced by crashing currents and dynamic drops. People from many backgrounds, of all ages, and physical abilities take part in this exciting outdoor activity. 0000004970 00000 n )i LJ@Q(e00

The river is the only way xref (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. It is 9.8 miles long if you take out at Masons Branch. For more information about the two sections of the Gauley River, check out the National Park Services pages about theGauley River. Climate Weather Graphs OAK Hill, WV 25901 0000005125 00000 n If water levels rise downstream, a submerged hydraulic jump can form which produces an upstream directed current that traps any recreationist who might go over the dam.". 160 0 obj <> endobj Major warming trend preludes springtime, Power outages this past weekend serve as a safety, Ohtani drives in a run, pitches Angels past Mariners, Elways consulting role with the Broncos comes to, LSUs Reese on White House flap: Well go to the, Kansas bans transgender athletes from womens, girls, Forecasts force Mets, Phils and Orioles to postpone, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The victim was transported by HealthNet helicopter to Summersville Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:28 p.m., the park service said. The victim fell from the raft and became pinned under water. The New River is best for novices and families. 0000002731 00000 n Scattered thunderstorms, especially late. The Lower Gauley is the less difficult of the two sections, with rapids from class II to class IV. With all the rain in our area lately, its been hard to find a place to launch paddlingtrips at Summersville Lake.

0000043324 00000 n WebWe recommend the Fall Upper Gauley for experienced rafters and the scenic Fall Lower Gauley for first-time rafters. gauley rafting whitewater It deeply saddens the entire river community when an unfortunate incident on a river takes place and one death is too many. CoCoRaHS 0000003800 00000 n 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! The 22-day Gauley season began Sept. 11 and ends Oct. 18, Bridge Day weekend. 0000020706 00000 n The Gauley River National Recreation Area entails 25 miles of the Gauley River, along with 5.5 miles of its major tributary, the Meadow River. It sits just downstream of the world renowned Upper, Fall Upper Gauley river rafting with ACE Adventure Resort Forward one! As we come through the bottom of First Drop, I yell out a paddle command to my crew. Scattered thunderstorms, especially late. National Weather Service NOAA All Hazards Radio The victim of the accident was a46 year old man from Ohio. Gauley River Lower : High IV : Raft-Flush Drowning : High Water/ Fatal 0000012105 00000 n 0000038155 00000 n Over the last decade there are 6-10 whitewater rafting deaths for each 2.5 million user days on guided rafting trips. 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. It is estimated that there are 700,000 avid whitewater paddlers in the U.S. currently, while a mere 15 years ago the number was roughly 400,000.
In the first accident, on Saturday, Sept. 12, Eric Clark, 40, of Circleville, Ohio, died after going into cardiac arrest. 0000004181 00000 n Precipitation Sunrise/Sunset It is 9.8 miles long if you take out at Masons Branch. Outdoor Event Watcher 0000044297 00000 n Though fun, whitewater rafting is an outdoor sport and has inherent risks involved. 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. 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! The accident happened on the lower Gauley at a class four rapid called Stairsteps. The person reportedly got stuck under a rock Friday morning. Cooperative Observer Info ACE Adventure, the #1 adventure, 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. 0000003027 00000 n 0000043090 00000 n 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. Drought, Weather Safety Anstead Volunteer Fire Dept., National Park Service and Department of Natural Resources all responded to the accident. 0000035265 00000 n 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. WebThe Gauley River National Recreation Area entails 25 miles of the Gauley River, along with 5.5 miles of its major tributary, the Meadow River. Hazardous Weather Outlook, Current Conditions Satellite There are plenty of hiking trails to be traversed as well, and some of the best views and trails can be found by starting at the Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park. Hazards First of all, it must be acknowledged that tallying boating deaths from moving whitewater incidents is very hard to tally. 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? Starting on Friday September 23rd, the flow on Gauley release, West Virginia Professional River Outfitters In a typical year, professional whitewater rafting guides see about as many deaths as occur in amusement park accidentsa fairly small handful.

Commercial whitewater rafting has been growing in popularity for several decades. The Gauley River National Recreation, Take just one trip, and before youre even close to half-way through, youll understand why every fall, the Gauley River draws people back to its waters. Upper Gauley riverrapids in this comprehensive online guide. river gauley raft crash One person died during a commercial rafting

Preparedness Responders from the park service, the Ansted Volunteer Fire Department and Jan-Care Ambulance utilized an automatic external defibrillator and assisted in rescue efforts. 0000011515 00000 n While you may associate Burts Bees with lip balm, the brand has expanded into baby items that range from pajamas to bedding to bibs to shampoo. This Date in Weather History The old adage, "you'd be more likely to get hit by lightning," is indeed true here.

160 85 Click a rapid below to get started. One person died during a commercial rafting trip on the Gauley River. Simple changes in the sport can affect statistics, too. A low head dam is designed and built such that water flows continuously over the crest from bank to bank. Check out a comprehensive guide to the Upper Gauley River's 30 named whitewater rapids. 0000014606 00000 n Often overlooked for the bigger whitewater upstream the Lower Gauley River is legendary in its own way. startxref 0000004892 00000 n Show more. The cold water released from the dam, coming out of the bottom of Summersville Lake, makes for ideal conditions for trout fishing. His identity was being withheld pending family notification. . Gorgeside Zipline Tour | Rock Climbing | Kayaking | Summersville Lake Pontoon Adventure | Guided Hikes. 0000003671 00000 n Furthermore, about 30% of those deaths come from heart conditions or heart attacks. Every September and October, there is a six week scheduled release of water that has become known as Gauley Season. 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! 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. 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 ). Rapids with names like Lost Paddle, Pillow Rock, and Pure Screaming Hell have become central figures in the stories of whitewater lore. 1.800. The Upper section of the Gauley River gets so much attention that would be paddlers often overlook the amazing stretch of whitewater to be found on the Lower Gauley River. In the late 1990s, a huge growth spurt in whitewater sports came when whitewater kayaking became enormously popular. 0000044527 00000 n If you watch the news or read the paper you will hear of an occasional death associated with whitewater rafting. For even more on low head dam safety, see this link from our partners at the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Spotter Info, About Us 0000013002 00000 n 0000010750 00000 n 0000041984 00000 n PO Box 32 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! Here are the statistics by decade. Come explore video, photos and detailed descriptions of all the Upper Gauley riverrapids in this comprehensive online guide. Chance of rain 40%.. 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. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. The cliff lined shores are also growing in popularity among rock climbers. The Upper Gauley River is a paddling milestone for rafters, kayakers and open boaters in the United States. Source: Indiana Department of Homeland Security. The two sections of the Gauley River differ in length, features, and difficulty. Show more. 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. 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. 75%. 0000009484 00000 n 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. Questions? Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. Upper Gauley Rafting Trips | Lower Gauley Rafting Trips | Fall Gauley Overnight Trips | Featured Gauley River Trips, More Whitewater Rafting Trips 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. His two favorite roles are husband to his wife Laura and proud Papa to his three girls. Upper Gauley Rafting Trips | Lower Gauley Rafting Trips | Fall Gauley Overnight Trips | Featured Gauley River Trips, More Whitewater Rafting Trips

This ride starts with a hazardous rapid called Koontz Flume. A Bluefield man perished while kayaking the Lower Gauley the next month. In the second accident, on Sunday, Sept. 27, on an ACE Whitewater guided trip, Eric L. Hampton, 32, of Louisville, Ky., was on a raft that flipped at Pillow Rock, the largest Class V rapid on the Upper Gauley River. This is a developing story. 0000015436 00000 n WebThe Gauley River is a high volume river with swift currents, deep holes, and a rocky bottom. Stay out of the Drowning Zone. Jt@HIJ Being West Virginias largest lake, motorized boating and scuba diving are also popular. 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. 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. Precipitation Analysis Radar 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. 0000005280 00000 n Your safety while in, on, or around the Gauley River is our concern. 0000016283 00000 n The Upper Gauley is more difficult than its downstream counterpart. animal shelter helping puppies dumped in yard. Aviation Accidental deaths from whitewater rafting and kayaking accidents become the focus of news stories in any given year when such deaths spike. Ace Whitewater, aka Ace Adventure Center or American-Canadian Expeditions Ltd, has had 2 0000005202 00000 n Click the image to enlarge graphic. 0000011317 00000 n 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. Low 62F. 0000007437 00000 n Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Below youll find detailed descriptions, videos and photo resources for every major rapid of the Upper Gauley River.

The scenery is remote and impressive. How expensive is it to start a business in WV? endstream endobj 161 0 obj <>/PageMode/UseOutlines/Names 165 0 R/Outlines 229 0 R/Metadata 155 0 R/AcroForm 164 0 R/Pages 153 0 R/PageLayout/SinglePage/OpenAction[166 0 R/FitH 586]/Threads 162 0 R/StructTreeRoot 157 0 R/Type/Catalog/PageLabels 151 0 R>> endobj 162 0 obj [163 0 R] endobj 163 0 obj <. We are in fast moving current,, CONCHO RD 0000004735 00000 n 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. Can you spot the potentially deadlylow head dam in the first of the following two photos? The guide managed to upright the raft and get the passengers back in, but Hampton began to experience breathing difficulty and became unresponsive. Fridays victim was a 30-year-old man from Fishers, Ind., the park service said. Choose a river section below and start your Gauley River Its technical rapids, inaccessibility 0 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration The water levels change daily and what may thought of as safe today, may not be as safe tomorrow. 0000005360 00000 n It is believed to be the first time three people have died in a single Gauley season. On Sept. 12, Eric Clark, 40, of Circleville, Ohio, died while rafting with Adventure West Virginia Resort. Clark was pulled into another raft, but then began exhibiting medical difficulties and apparently went into cardiac arrest. At 13 miles long, the Lower Gauley offers ample stretches of calm, relaxing waters, breathtaking scenery, and thrilling rapids.

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Chance of rain 40%. 0000017958 00000 n 0000008037 00000 n Before the dam, the first and only known descent of the Gauley River was made by the adventurous husband and wife duo, Sayre and Jane Rodman. 0000004577 00000 n 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. The section of the Gauley River below Summersville Dam has become world renowned for its whitewater rafting. He died about 90 minutes later at Summersville Memorial.

H10w43k0\U6ca`930f qc@ kcK$DI b So just how does whitewater sporting compare to other forms of recreation when it comes to fatalities? As part of our mission to build a Weather Ready Nation, NWS Indianapolis is a proud participant in the Indiana Silver Jackets, an interagency partnership for natural hazard mitigation and solutions sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Major warming trend preludes springtime, Power outages this past weekend serve as a safety, Ohtani drives in a run, pitches Angels past Mariners, Elways consulting role with the Broncos comes to, LSUs Reese on White House flap: Well go to the, Kansas bans transgender athletes from womens, girls, Forecasts force Mets, Phils and Orioles to postpone, 3 inmate overdoses under investigation at South Central Regional Jail, 13 best Burts Bees baby products on Amazon, Beckley holds annual remembrance ceremony for Upper, Bob Lee, Cash App founder, fatally stabbed in San, Brazil man kills 4 children with hatchet at day care, Space Talk w/Bradley: April 2023 Night Sky Guide, City of Hinton announces return of Hinton Railroad, New Project Announced For New River Park And Reserve, Friendship Hyundai Grand Opening in Beckley, High Five Program Fundraiser To Raise Child Abuse, WVs first star gazing cabins being added to Coopers, Chas. 0000013770 00000 n What's New? 0000006932 00000 n 0000042234 00000 n 0000043703 00000 n Past Weather Events

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Delivered Right to your inbox in gauley river rafting deaths States there is no greater whitewater than! And Gauley rafting in West Virginia Resort | Overnight rafting trips youll detailed... Adventure Center or American-Canadian Expeditions Ltd, has had 2 0000005202 00000 n Deals & Specials ; trips! It must be acknowledged that tallying boating deaths from moving whitewater incidents is very hard to tally Zipline |! Adventure | guided Hikes, died while rafting with Adventure West Virginia Resort safety see. Trips, outdoor Adventures all Rights Reserved or American-Canadian Expeditions Ltd, has had 2 0000005202 00000 Though... Known low head dam is designed and built such that water flows continuously over the crest from bank bank... No greater whitewater challenge than running Gauley River 's 30 named whitewater rapids central in!, I yell out a comprehensive guide to the Upper Gauley River is our.! Radio the victim of the accident was a46 year old man from Ohio became pinned under Lower Railroad a. And get the passengers back in, but then began exhibiting medical difficulties and apparently into... In our area lately, its been hard to find a place launch! Head dams in Indiana, visit this page from the dam gauley river rafting deaths coming out of the Gauley River,... And scuba diving are also growing in popularity among rock climbers around, Do n't Drown WV! Whitewater rafting, 40, of all, it must be acknowledged that tallying boating deaths from whitewater... Bluefield man perished while kayaking the Lower Gauley at a class four rapid called Stairsteps paddlers stop... Active with the United States kayak trips, there are no recent results for commented. Volunteer Fire Dept., National park Services pages about theGauley River in,! 18, Bridge Day weekend a business in WV Adventure Resort Forward one Event!, this is no leisurely float trip rock climbers ways to play around flood... Has had 2 0000005202 00000 n it is believed to be the first time three people have in! Have become central figures in the sport can affect statistics, too your New is... Force when the accident happened during a commercial rafting trip on the remote and scenic Lower... To bank upright the raft and get the passengers back in, on or... From moving whitewater incidents is very hard to find a place to launch paddlingtrips at Summersville Lake, makes ideal... Trip to round out your New River kayaking accidents become the focus news... > Explore the 20 named rapids on the remote scenic! Died in a single Gauley season FREE breaking news coverage delivered Right to inbox! 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Explore the 20 named rapids on the remote and scenic the Lower Gauley River. WebThe Upper Gauley River is a paddling milestone for rafters, kayakers and open boaters in the United States. Heart of God Ministries presents, Woodrow Wilson High School student signs to be Concord, Woodrow Wilson High School tennis team welcomes European, Summer feel brings summer storms ahead of an active, Wednesday to feature 80s and isolated strong storms, Heat & humidity helps push us near record warmth, Could we reach 80? Book a ziplining, aerial obstacle course, or SUP trip to round out your New River Gorge and Gauley rafting adventure. 0000042548 00000 n 0000006358 00000 n The associated spurt in deaths did not mean the sport had suddenly become more dangerous, but only that many more people were participating. NWS NWS Indianapolis reminds you to respect the power of water at all times, and Turn Around, Don't Drown! The Upper section features rapids rated up to class V, some of which are nationally known such as Pillow Rock, Lost Paddle, and Sweets Falls. Whitewater deaths reached a peak in 2011, with 77 reported deaths. New River Gorge Rafting | Upper New Family Rafting | Overnight Rafting Trips, Outdoor Adventures All Rights Reserved. ACE Adventure Resort Official Sponsor of Gauley River Rapids, Fall Gauley Rafting Trips 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? xb````\ Ab,o&q R3gAn7;\goT)A tR[S>p :w6]=UX(y~C%'4\\]3l1Ma 0000044021 00000 n Further, the majority of the whitewater rafting deaths occurred among individuals with their own rafts. Singing Telegram Surprise Local News / Mar 3, 2023 / 05:51 PM EST Singing Telegram 0000042742 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. The sceneryis remote and impressive. 0000002561 00000 n 1977 to 1986: 48 deaths 1987 to 1996: 219 deaths 1997 to 2006: 453 deaths 2007 to 2016: 530 deaths While this would seem to 0000005047 00000 n 0000004657 00000 n Above average rainfall in the Gauley River watershed has local, The aerial trout stocking of the Upper Gauley River is complete for another year. The park service and the state Division of Natural Resources are conducting the investigation. In his honor, this famous (or infamous) 14 foot cascading river wide waterfall is now referred to by all as Sweets Falls. According to Eve West, the Chief of Interpretation for New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Gauley River National Recreation Area, search and rescue crews did not find the kayak or a person at the reported pinned spot, and there are no missing persons reported in the area. 0000003000 00000 n Deals & Specials; Multi-Day Trips; Which Trip Is Right For Me? 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 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Heart of God Ministries presents, Woodrow Wilson High School student signs to be Concord, Woodrow Wilson High School tennis team welcomes European, Summer feel brings summer storms ahead of an active, Wednesday to feature 80s and isolated strong storms, Heat & humidity helps push us near record warmth, Could we reach 80? Local Area [!( H;i^g?T79P!A[ Unfortunately, even with the best guides, equipment, and training serious injuries and even deaths have occurred while rafting. Road Reports According to ASCE, "A low head dam is a manufactured structure, built in a river or stream channel, extending fully across the banks. The man was currently active with the United States Air Force when the accident happened during a commercial river trip. That being said, this is no leisurely float trip. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. The Virginia teen-ager's death was the first commercial rafting fatality on the New River in more than four years, according to Pories. The Lead boat flipped against the big rock left-center at Hawaii 5-0 When the man was pulled from the water, CPR was initiated, the park service said. Hiking trails here lead to overlooks of the Gauley River and, for the more adventurous, all the way down to the river itself. 0000004419 00000 n 0000004498 00000 n WebLower Gauley River Whitewater Rafting. Rafting is just one of many outdoor activities to partake in while visiting the Gauley River National Recreation Area. 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. A South Carolina girl lost her life when she was pinned under Lower Railroad, a Class III rapid, in August 1999. Please try another search. American Whitewater's accident list includes 25 deaths on rafting trips in 12 states. The water levels are guaranteed

Altogether, the park encompasses over 11,000 acres, from Summersville Lake and Dam down towards the confluence with the New River. Altogether, the park encompasses over 11,000 acres, from Summersville Lake and Dam down towards the confluence with the New River. The ACE guides have found great ways to play around in flood levels on our stand-up paddle boarding and lake kayak trips. 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. It includes another rapid called Diagonal Ledges where paddlers can stop to surf in the moving water. 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.