News Release

River Safety Program Developed to Alert Boaters of Flow Reduction on Gauley River

News Release Date: August 24, 2018

Contact: Duane Michael, 304-465-6518

National Park Service River Rangers introduced a new river safety program to alert boaters of a flow reduction in case of an emergency on the Gauley River. Signs will be used during Gauley River boating season and will be placed at Summersville Dam, Mason’s Branch, and Wood’s Ferry public boat launches. When these signs are in place, boaters need to be aware that a reduction in flow will dramatically change the characteristics of the rapids. Boaters should reconsider putting on or make an effort to get downstream as quickly as possible if they have any doubt with their ability to run the Gauley at lower water levels.

Two signs have been developed. One states that the flow will be reduced to 1800 CFS and the other states that the flow will be reduced to below 1800 CFS. Times will be posted on the signs of when the reduction will begin. A green flag will indicate a reduction to 1800 CFS. An orange flag will indicate a reduction to below 1800 CFS. Rangers at the scene will inform boaters of the flow reduction.