Mongaup River

This regional gem has regularly scheduled recreational releases and frequent power releases from Rio Dam.

KCCNY has started meeting at what is affectionately known as the make out take out thanks to some long standing graffiti which is above the bridge on river right. Address is should get you there, but https://maps.app.goo.gl/DGjvWpHinzYp4fgTA should get you there. From Port Jervis, head west on 97 (don’t speed leaving Port Jervis or thru Hawk’s Nest). Turn right (north) on 31 and then right again on the dirt road after 600 feet.

Most other clubs meet at the USNPS Upper Delaware River Information Kiosk and Boat Launch parking lot located 300′ west of the 31/97 intersection.

Mongaup Rio Powerhouse with 1 barrel

The put in is at 46 Power House Rd, Glen Spey, NY 12737. https://maps.app.goo.gl/tE7dFkDg2PoWYSju7

Don’t speed on the dirt road and be a good neighbor up there. We’ve had serious problems with the neighbors in the past.

Releases are 1 tube or barrel (about 500 cfs) and 2 tubes (~1000 cfs).

1. One tube requires more maneuvering but has less push making it easier for the less experienced. 1 barrel is practically our definition of a class 2. Swims are bony.
2. Two tubes covers a lot more of the rocks which gives flow, holes and drops more power and is practically our definition of a 2+. Swims on some sections can be pretty exciting.

Rio 2024 Whitewater Schedule.

They also publish their energy release schedule a day or 2 ahead of time. In general the hotter and wetter it is the more likely they’ll be be making power. Unfortunately power needs are lower on weekends. Hot summer afternoons with only a few on the river are something special.

Mongaup is closed Dec. 1 – April 1 for eagle nesting as eagles are easily scared off a nest they are establishing. By April 1st they’ve normally laid eggs are less easily scared off.
We’ve all enjoyed the eagles nesting at the our favorite mid river stop below the lunch boof.

For more details on the Mongaup River Whitewater section see American Whitewater.

Relicensing (which should double the # of releases)

As of Spring 2024 Director of Conservation Policy Engagement at Appalachian Mountain Club Mark Zakutansky said he would ‘expect a new FERC hydro license to be issued in 2024, so we can see those 30 releases in 2025. It could still be delayed further, but at least to my knowledge, all the hiccups are resolved and it recently received a NY State Water Quality Certificate with the same terms as what the FERC license would have. So it’s close.‘