Expect high flows during Rendezvous

[BEubanks]

Based on the latest Entergy email, it appears we may have high flows during Rendezvous as Entergy draws down the lakes prior to the expected rains of hurricane Ike. So, all those planning classes and other events on the river, should think about how they will handle those high flows. Ted says they're running about 9000 CFS now and expects perhaps 5000 CFS by Saturday, but normal generation flow of 3600 CFS isn't likely.

Similar high flows may affect the planned class on the Caddo, too.

Just thought we should be thinking ahead . . .

[Richard]

What is the normal release during the Surf and Turf? How different will things be at 5000 and 9000 as compared to the flow during Surf and Turf?

[Renee H]

Actually, new waves & holes form at the higher levels. 9000 CFS is a lot of fun. There is a wave hole where the spin hole is and a new big (semi-retentive) hole in the middle of the river and tiger's jaw turns into a nice wave. I have fun at this level. I am not sure about 5000 cfs, but don't change plans just because the flow is different - You can still have FUN!!!

[BEubanks]

No doubt experienced and confident paddlers can still have much fun at higher levels. My concern was for classes that are designed for less experience, perhaps less confident paddlers. At higher flows (normal generation flows would be around 3600 CFS), the swim involved after a wet exit would likely be longer and leave one farther downstream with a longer walk or paddle back to the ledge.

Certainly not suggesting anyone change plans about coming to Rendezvous. Just suggesting those teaching classes think about if or how higher flows might affect plans. Certainly the normal-flow features change at higher flows, so it will require finding different places to work on certain skills. Might be good to place boats downstream from a class for assistance with Eskimo rescues or recovering after swims. Just trying to think ahead so Rendezvous this year will be as great as it usually is for all those involved in the various classes.

[Susan Tinker]

For Capt. Aleve's Caddo and Remmel to Rockport float trips, we are watching and gathering info and thinking of backups if we have to make any changes....
hopefully, it will stall out or slow down until Monday!
Everyone will have to watch the message board.

We really want more newbies and casual floaters to continue to think of coming for the float trips....
So: EVERYONE .... QUIT DOING THE RAIN DANCE ... did I just think and write that?

Susan Tinker

[jmdauf]

WHAT RENEE SAID-
At 9000 cartwheel hole (river left) becomes a smooth wave, mr. frothy is gone, and the concrete eddy rock is jus a soft pourover- the spin hole (river right) become a nice deep spin hole- good for spins, cartwheels, etc. (did i say deep?;-) while tiger's is soft but still contains rocks-
At 5000 cartwheel hole (river left) becomes a small deep hole/wave good for spins, cartwheels, and AIR, big air loops- just not very retentive :-(
(did i say deep?;-)- mr. froth is mr. smoove wave while spin hole (river right) and tiger remain-
ALWAYS WET, ALWAYS FUN, ALLTHATIME, IMHO (+ i live nearby)
more current but still large eddies- try it
mitch

[Renee H]

Hey Mitch - just got a phone call saying the road down to the sidewalk area was closed. Can you confirm? Paddling up from Tanner Street at 9,000 cfs might be a bi**h! :shock:

[jmdauf]

renee-
b**ch 4 sure- will check 2-day after work- 5.5ish
m**ch

[Lupe]

Don't forget we will have Porterfield access this weekend, so paddling from Tanner Street won't be necessary (unless you are a masochist or really looking for a workout!!!). Perhaps the Powers-That-Be (whoever has the gate key) will even extend the hours the gate is open if it turns out we don't have park-side access...

Sounds like lots of unexpected little odds n' ends to deal with this weekend, but I'm sure we'll all just stay flexible and go with the flow...we are paddlers after all!!!

[Cowper]

..the swim involved after a wet exit would likely be longer and leave one farther downstream with a longer walk or paddle back to the ledge.

All those who have practiced a deep water re-entry in the recent past, will really appreciate this skill now!

[JTarver]

hey Mitch, any word on the road closing? Am I gonna have to seal launch in from the 1-30 bridge to avoid a power attainment, or what?

Joe

[jmdauf]

joe - pm'd u -mitch

[bryanpin]

yo Joe, we can just toss you off my rack as I drive over I-30. You could probably launch, air spin, to rail spin, to quad helix, super rotatatater then plug the landing deep, come up and deep water loop!!! Stylish!

We'll have to come up with something to do if all the playspots are flushed.


Anybody go out yesterday and paddle rockport? How were the holes? I'm interested in the wave/hole just river left of the spin hole. should've been great yesterday, probably getting flushy today at the higher flows.

Beta please!

[Renee H]

I'm going today after work - hopefully Porterfield side will be open. I haven't heard anymore about the road closing. My friend that called said that you could drive around the sign though. Not sure about the condition of the road........