Lehigh ‘Mega’ paddling

Cancelled…https://www.nap.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/4319019/army-corps-shares-details-for-fe-walter-dam-water-releases/

Another fan favorite that almost always happens with  big fun waves near the height of fall foliage with relatively warm water (wetsuits or drytops still needed. It is October).

But not looking too good so do the rain dance! 

We’re guessing close to  2500ish on  Saturday which almost always happens, is arguably even more fun (and feel free to go to FaceBook if you want to argue) and with low water levels is a good bet. We’ll likely to White to the Glen but often have a big enough group to split or have options.

Unless we get rain Sunday will likely be lower but hard to say how low.

For those that want to get into the nitty gritty, here’s the reservoir level. A full mega 3 day requires a nearly full 1370 foot pool. Per an (unofficial) agreement with rafting companies, Saturday will be no bigger then 2500 (as over that swimming becomes more dangerous as there’s current thru trees on sides).
A normal release drops the pool about 4 feet, and our friends at the Army Corp of Engineers are attempting so simulate a flood.
Sunday is even more up in the air but without rain is unlikely to be bigger than a normal release.

And it’s possibly they’ll be no release at all as they may hold back water to maintain minimal flows thru the fall.

If it’s big, a reliable roll or ability and willingness to avoid holes is nice as swims are long.

There’s lots of big avoidable holes and good on the fly surfing (best for longer boats as boat speed matters). (Almost) nothing is retentive so it’s a chance to hit holes and waves you wouldn’t normally hit…or just float fast in a pretty place.

For now we’re guessing just Sat, with Saturday likely to be the only bigger than normal day.

We’re camping at Hickory Run Group campsites and have a site reserved for Friday and Saturday already. Book camping separately here.

All paddlers are expected to help with shuttle. The Lehigh has longer shuttles (and the mega can have mega long shuttles as we usually paddle at least the 20 miles of White to the Glen one day). Paddlers in the past have ‘accidentally’ arrived late or ‘suddenly’ needed to leave early.
Failure to help with shuttle, unless cleared with the coordinator beforehand, is grounds for not being allowed to join the trip and even not being allowed to participate in club trips in the future.
Shuttling may include a request that you leave your camping gear at the site so you have room in your vehicle.
Accommodations will be made if at all possible for carpoolers as we do want to be as environmentally friendly as possible.