Associated Press Published

Rafting Guides Gearing up for Gauley River Fall Season

Whiterwater Rafting Gauley River

Some rafting guides are making practice runs before the start of the fall season on the Gauley River.

Adventures on the Gorge Vice President Dave Arnold tells WVVA-TV that his guides are looking for any changes on the river from this summer’s severe flooding.

The season starts Friday when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begins lowering Summersville Lake to its winter level through releases at the Summersville Dam.

Water also had to be released after Summersville Lake’s level increased dramatically during late June storms.

Steve Keblesh of outfitter Summersville Lake Retreat and Lighthouse says the floods and subsequent water release could have moved and reconfigured rocks to make navigation on the rapids different than previously known. He says the first release Friday will help guides see if any changes have occurred.