Water Level Information
** During hot summer days, be aware that Wylie Dam may run higher water in the afternoons around 3:00. This is not usually posted on the Duke website, but understand that it is a definite probability that if it's very hot, Duke will need to create electricity, which is done by running water through the turbines at the dam. It may happen at anytime of the day, but most likely in afternoons**
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/sc/nwis/uv?02147020
http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/scheduled-flow-releases.asp
**note that when Duke is trying to get lake levels down after lots of rain, that information is not always posted on Duke's website..
CHECK WATER LEVELS with links above
for most dependable estimate of what's up (or down) with the river
cfs = Cubic Feet per Second
((These are approximate - based on observation, not science!))
600 - 2000 cfs is normal for the Catawba River right now.
This is considered low at the lower end of this range, but the river is still navigable, with plenty of rocks showing and some sections that might require a paddler to pull a kayak over shallow sections. It can be done without getting out of your boat if you are an experienced paddler and know how to "read the water."
1100- 4000 cfs gives us rocks showing at the lower end of the range ... good current and no rocks at the upper end of the range. This is the optimal range for paddling the Catawba River.
4001 - 8000 cfs is very fast, hazardous water. Only very experienced paddlers that can self-rescue and swim in fast current should attempt these levels. (Catawba River Expeditions will not run trips nor rent boats in current this fast. )
Over 8000 is very dangerous water, and is for very experienced whitewater paddlers only. You won't see us out there, we have well-developed self-preservation skills.
