Water Level Information
** Be aware that Wylie Dam may run higher water at any time, with no warning other than the alarm, which gives you just a few seconds to move. Be very aware of this if you are paddling outside of the recreational release schedule **
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/sc/nwis/uv?02147020
http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/scheduled-flow-releases.asp
Typical Recreational Release from Wylie Dam Schedule
depends on nature, electricity needs
Last weekend in April: 10 am
May 1 - June 15: Fri/Sat/Sun/Memorial Day - 10 am through 3pm
June 16 - July 15: Fri/Sat/Sun/July 4 - 10am through 3pm
July 16 - August 31: Sat/Sun -10 am through 3 pm
September 1 -30: Fri/Sat/Sun/Labor Day - 10 am through 3pm
October 1 - 31: Sat/Sun - 10 am through 3pm
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
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.
