O.C.T. Jackson River – Gathright Dam Pulse Release- Wed, 8/26/2026

[PaddleBear]

O.C.T. Jackson River – Gathright Dam Pulse Release- Wed, 8/26/2026

Join us for one of the most fun and fastest white water paddle experiences. We cover 17.4 miles in 3.5 hours at an average moving speed of 5.9 miles per hour. Dramatic Class II wave trains throughout with many Class I breaks moving water in between. If you like moving water, this trip is for you!

Background - Periodically (once a month in late spring, summer, and early fall), the Norfolk District in coordination with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, releases water from the Gathright Dam Army Corps of Engineers to flush out the Jackson River stream bed. The old web site sometimes has more current information https://www.nao-wc.usace.army.mil/nao/projected_Q.html than the new web site https://water.usace.army.mil/office/nao/releases so check both for information. The pulse of water is drained from the bottom of the dam/reservoir and therefore the water temperature is ~50 F. This “pulse” of water is released into the Jackson River starting at approximately 6 a.m. and they start to reduce the flow at 11:00 AM. We have found that starting our paddle at ~11:15 AM is optimal (starting at 11:00 – the pulse release water flow is cut back and the peak water goes down by about .5 inches per minute so that by 11:15 the water level is 6-8 inches lower than the wire platform boat launch). This “post peak” water level washes out much of the river bank debris, mud, and the water runs clear.

This is a swift 17.4 mile class I – II+ run. There is one class III- rapid (~200 yards long) right below the dam and above our typical put in at the gauge house wire mess boat launch. You can choose to run this Class III or skip it, your choice. Usually, about 25% the group runs the top Class III rapid and the other 75% puts in just below the Class III rapid at the water gauge house wire mesh boat launch.

Remember, this is a dam release. The water will be cold (~50 F), so dress appropriately. The flow will be high, so anticipate strong and erratic currents in places. Even though this is a relatively easy Class I, II+ run with very few obstacles (occasional tree branches easily avoidable) to navigate, the high flow necessitates that everyone be strong swimmers. This is NOT a new beginner run; optimal for someone who has good experience paddling flat water, Class Is and some Class IIs and looking to take it to the next level. Optimal boat choice is a white water boat with some rocker to the hull design to efficiently ride the 3-5 foot wave trains. Highly recommend a neoprene water proof roll skirt and a helmet. Alternatively, a canoe with saddle, float bags, and a skilled canoeist do very well. Sit on top kayaks are NOT recommended with the exception of those rated for Class II (e.g., Liquid Logic Coupe) with scupper drainage holes.

We will launch from the wire mesh boat launch put-in at the water gauge house at ~11:15. We will launch in buddy boat groups (stick together for potential water recovery assistance) of 3-6 boats. Maintain appropriate distance during rapids to enable good maneuverability of each boat.
We will stop river left just after Smith Bridge approximately half way for a 45-minute lunch/leg stretch break at the Smith Bridge River Access (river left). Go around the dock (not recommended for use as the water is 8 feet deep there) and proceed to river left gradual landing/launch on bank with a beautiful field to catch shade or sun. There are no restrooms or potable water. Critical that we don’t get back on the river too soon (we will catchup to brown water/debris) or too late (we will miss the right level to maximize wave train fun). To achieve the optimal wave trains on the lower half of this paddle we will start to get back onto the water at ~1:30.

We will end the day river left at the public park next to Alleghany Outdoors, 1903 Dressler Dr, Covington, VA 24426 @ ~3:45. At the river fork look for a basketball sized orange ball hanging in a tree mid-river. Go river left. Look for a grass field lined by a wooden fence. At the end of the fence is the concrete boat ramp.

Weather: air temperature will likely be in the 80s+ at this time of year. This is an all-weather go event – will NOT cancel based on a rainy forecast.

Schedule:
Meet at the take out at the Intervale Trail Head (Public Park), 1903 Dressler Dr, Covington, VA next to Alleghany Outdoors, 1903 Dressler Dr, Covington, VA 24426 @ 10:15 sharp. There is ample parking at the park, flush toilets, and potable water. Timing on the pulse is everything, please be prompt (we don’t want to miss those exceptional wave trains)! Depart by 10:30 to shuttle boats, people, equipment to put-in.
Goal is to be at the put-in at Gathright Dam, 100 Stilling Basin Road, Hot Springs, VA at 10:45. If you are planning on running the top Class III rapid section from the dam to the water gauge house, please put in at the base of the dam immediately and meet the rest of the group at the water gauge house wire mesh boat launching area NLT 11:10. There has historically been porta pottys at base of dam however no potable water and no porta pottys or potable water at the water gauge house wire mesh boat launching area.

Please respond to this posting or text me to let us know you are going. Don’t just show up with no notice. Having an accurate head count helps in the efficient shuttle planning.

Bring a lunch and plan to spend the day with us. It is a good idea to bring a change of dry clothes for after the run.
Plan on joining us for the remaining Pulse Releases Schedules for 2026 posted at - https://water.usace.army.mil/office/nao/releases :
Plan on these other future dates for Jackson Pulse Releases:
• Wednesday, 9/16/2026
• Wednesday, 10/7/2026

Brian
Brianschultz22@protonmail.com
Text at 703-627-9922

[PaddleBear]

Its official - posted on the USCOE website - pulse is confirmed - "PULSE RELEASE ANNOUNCEMENT NORFOLK- The Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will conduct a pulse release at Gathright Dam, near Covington, Va., Wednesday, August 26, 2026, beginning at approximately 6 a.m."

"See you on the river"!