Wed, 6/21/23, Jackson River - Pulse Release

[PaddleBear]

First of all – many thanks to Allen Spivey who has been a Coastals Jackson River Pulse “Coordinator” for many years! Allen, thanks for the joy you have brought to so many through your knowledge, skill and willingness to teach others. Allen will still be an active paddler on this run, however he is stepping back a little and taking a break from the “coordinator” role. I was truly honored to be nominated to assist to coordinate this run and some other “Jackson Pulses” later this year

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 excess water from the Gathright Dam Army Corps of Engineers - https://www.nao-wc.usace.army.mil/nao/projected_Q.html The pulse is drained from the bottom of the 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 ends at 1:30 p.m. We have found that starting our paddle at ~11:00 AM or 2-3 inches below the water gauge house wire platform boat launch is optimal. This timing allows for the initial pulse to wash out much of the river bank debris, mud and then runs clear. The peak pulse release will be 3,500 cfs and will increase levels 3 to 4.5 feet in the Jackson River producing excellent and fun wave trains.

For the new “pulse” partakers, this is a swift 17-mile class I – II+ run (approximate 3.5 hour run), with several excellent class II+ wave trains blended with periodic Class I riffles to give you a break from the excitement. There is one class III- rapid (~200 yards long) right below the dam. You can choose to run it 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 rapid at the water gauge house wire mesh boat launch.

Remember, this is a dam release. The water will be cold (high 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 run with very few obstacles to navigate, the high flow necessitates that everyone be strong swimmers. This is not a new beginner run; this is a high beginner/low novice minimum run. Only experienced Class II+ paddlers on the top Class III rapid, please. Optimal boat choice would be a white water boat with some rocker to the hull design to efficiently ride the wave trains. Recommend a water proof roll skirt if you have one. Alternatively, several of us have run this pulse many times with a recreational kayak – bring a spray skirt if you have it and you will most definitely need a bailing pump. Sit on top kayaks are not recommended with the exception of those rated for Class II (e.g., Liquid Logic Coupe).

We will launch from the wire mesh put-in at the water gauge house at ~11:00 when the water is 2-3 inches below the wire mess cage launch point. We will launch in buddy boat groups (stick together for potential water recovery assistance) of 2-6 boats. Maintain appropriate distance during rapids to enable good maneuverability of each boat.

We will stop river left at approximately half way for a 30-minute lunch/leg stretch break just after Smith Bridge at the Smith Bridge River Access (river left). Excellent dock and 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).

We will end the day river left at the public park next to Alleghany Outdoors, 1903 Dressler Dr, Covington, VA 24426 @ ~2:30-3:00. Look for an orange sign mid-river – directing you river left – then look for a field lined by a wooden fence. At the end of the fence is the concrete boat ramp.
Weather – as of 6/15 the forecast is predicting 30% chance of rain and 74F. This is an all-weather go event.

Schedule:
Meet at the take out at the public park next to Alleghany Outdoors, 1903 Dressler Dr, Covington, VA 24426 @ 10:00 sharp. Timing on the pulse is everything, please be prompt (we don’t want to miss those exceptional wave trains)! Depart by 10:15 to shuttle boats, people, equipment to put-in. There is ample parking, flush toilets and potable water.

Be at the put-in at Gathright Dam, 100 Stilling Basin Road, Hot Springs, VA at 10:30. If running the top Class III section from the dam to the water gauge house, please put in at the base of the dam immediately and meet the rest of group at the water gauge house wire mess boat launching area NLT 11:00. There has historically been porta pottys and no potable water at the base of the dam but not at the water gauge house wire mess 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 clothes for after the run.

Miss this one? Mark your calendar - 2023 PULSE RELEASE SCHEDULE:
• JUNE 21
• JULY 19
• AUG 9
• AUG 30
• SEP 20
• OCT 11

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

[Amphibious]

Is there a group forming for 6/21? Don’t see any posts here thus far. Considering coming out, but not sure if it’s “a go”.

[PaddleBear]

Definite GO - NOTE - there is a predicted 80% chance of rain however no lightning is predicted. I have 3 committed rain or shine paddlers at this point.

[Amphibious]

Hey all, I am going to bail. The weather and other needs have stacked up against the 5-6 hours drive

[PaddleAllen]

I've gotten some questions about this run. Here are some links for photos and clips of past pulse releases. It is not a beginner run due to the fast flows. It is a fast Class I-II paddle with an option to run a low class III right at the put-in. You can easily scout it from the put-in parking area. Run it if you like or skip it. Please, only skilled paddlers on the dam rapid (III).

https://photos.app.goo.gl/gu5WCQfqhVN4Umn49

https://photos.app.goo.gl/uPyTdScQV1ZJVNL47

https://photos.app.goo.gl/UTPeWtAnu5VVkWQg7
Allen
434-906-9510

[PaddleBear]

Allen - thanks for posting the pics/vids - great memories of past pulses!