North Anna is rising for this weekend

[Paddle Daddy]

I've wanted to run this river but scared off by all the reports of scrapey trips ... but the USGS gauge is shooting up (see below), no doubt explained by the rain north of here and the Lake Anna dam feed. Is there anyone (particularly someone who's done this run before, but if not then some critical mass of mildly adventurous souls) who'd be interested in going with me Saturday morning? Its about 30-40 minutes from Richmond to the put in.

[grannyyaker]

I'll paddle with you. What time?

[Rob Trundle]

can't get out that early, but i've run it 4 or 5 times.

let me know if you'd like any info


you can email me at trundle@alumni.virginia.edu

rt

[Paddle Daddy]

Grannyaker - I am completely flexible. I do know a friend of mine who might want to paddle it won't be free until right after 10. I'll check back in tomorrow around lunchtime and see if I can name a definite time. Also want to check that gauge again in the morning.

Rob - I have trip descriptions. Any additional tips you have would be appreciated.

[s2welee]

Pat,

What section are you looking at doing?

[Rob Trundle]

not much to say but that 4 ft above minimum is doable, but the big drop will be beefy. if it drops 2 ft from where it is now, i bet it will be perfect.

The big drop is really two drops, one that is fun and easy, 2-3 ft or so, and then a bigger more complicated drop maybe 50 yds below the upper drop. It's not hard to eddy out after the first and think about it. They're both easily scoutable and carryable on the right.

The final drop has a nasty rock that sits right in the main channel, very very hard to miss in a 16 footer, not too bad at all in kayak. If you glance it in a canoe, you're fine, which was my usual line when i paddled a grumman through it. At regular levels, that's the story. at high levels i bet that rock goes underwater, but i also bet there are other lines. I wouldn't want to go over that rock at high water.

The first 8 miles are a bit of an "entrance price" for the last 3. At high water you should cruise, maybe have some play too. I did it once at reasonably high water and there was a surprising amount of play.(for playboats)

It's a great river. have fun.

RT

[grannyyaker]

Grannyaker - I am completely flexible. I do know a friend of mine who might want to paddle it won't be free until right after 10. I'll check back in tomorrow around lunchtime and see if I can name a definite time. Also want to check that gauge again in the morning.

Paddle Daddy - I'm flexible, too. I'll check back for updates.

Thanks for the input, Rob. I've paddle the North Anna several times over the years. Great description. It looks like the gauge has crested, so maybe in 24 hours it will be back down where we need it.

[Paddle Daddy]

Hey folks - the level dropped pretty precipitously overnight. Its now back at or near its past-month low. Based on what I've seen its still paddle-able, but I want to do this river when its higher and faster and COOLER than it will be on Saturday. So I am bagging it for tomorrow. Am doing the lower James in Richmond instead, meeting some folks at 14th Street at 10:30 and you are welcome to join if you don't proceed with the North Anna.

[TedMc]

Last month the Coastals trip convinced me to run the N. Anna at no lower than 300 cfs.
Last night the river crested at +1300 cfs. It has since dropped by 400 cfs
If it drops the same rate today it may be as high as 400cfs tomorrow morning.
This river has to be caught between too high dropping to too low. This afternoon would be best but tomorrow may fit that narrow window.
I'll take the N. Anna at 400 cfs over the James at 4.2 ft.
Check back tonight for more.....

[grannyyaker]

I'll take the N. Anna at 400 cfs over the James at 4.2 ft.
Check back tonight for more.....

Ted,
I agree! I'll check back later this evening. I hope we can paddle tomorrow morning.

[TedMc]

North Anna water level tomorrow will be between 300 - 400 cfs which is ok. Caroline says the heat index of 105 is not ok.
We will not paddle this weekend. Sorry folks.
Stay cool, get wet in a river or lake.

[TedMc]

PS
The river gauge for the North Anna that I use for all my references is the Hart Corner USGS 01671020 which has 28 years of records, more years than the other two on line gauges.

[TedMc]

4:00 pm river level was 457 cfs...a great level.
Anybody go?

[Paddle Daddy]

Given the heat I think I'm still glad I didn't. But can't wait until conditions are right in the future.