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Russell Fork Gorge in Virginia Class V+ run video
Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 2:14 pm
by BMuu
This is from my run down the Russell Fork Gorge at flood stage last weekend. We took some of the more conservative lines and took a sneak at "El Horrendo" It's BIG at this level.
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6dZVl9X ... tube_gdata" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Or if you prefer vimeo
https://vimeo.com/39299562" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Russell Fork Gorge in Virginia Class V+ run video
Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 4:49 pm
by ckuntz
Looks like alot of fun!
Was that section class 5 though?
Chris
Re: Russell Fork Gorge in Virginia Class V+ run video
Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 6:07 pm
by canoe
I can vouch that it is class 5, although the locals will tell you that they generally don't run the gorge between 450 and 750 cfs, due to the fact of this volume+technical aspect makes it extremely scarey. Above 800 smooths things out a bit(but still no place to be out of your boat). dale
Re: Russell Fork Gorge in Virginia Class V+ run video
Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 7:03 pm
by kevohudd
I'm a believer. Great Footage Kyle!!!
Re: Russell Fork Gorge in Virginia Class V+ run video
Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 7:31 pm
by Dan Daniel
Awesome Vid, and truthfully an amazing run at any level, but, 1100cfs is the low release levels during the season, with 1300-1500 being the target flow with whatever the Pound adds to it. It has been run over 2500. One of the most beautiful places between the Rockies and the Atlantic.
Congrats!
Dan
Re: Russell Fork Gorge in Virginia Class V+ run video
Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 8:57 pm
by BMuu
Dale is correct. The locals did not want to touch it at 1100 CFS, I have been on it around 400 and though it's the same river there is a lot less volume pushing you around.
In October 800cfs is the normal release level with 1100 being the high release. According to AWW there have been a few 4000+ CFS runs. I said "Flood Stage" because it was the high end of the recommended level and according to locals it was in flood.
Here is the description from AWW
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/conte ... il_id_2010" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Russell Fork Gorge in Virginia Class V+ run video
Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 9:35 pm
by NoQuarter
Badass without a doubt. It takes a few watches to get perspective on how big the drops were and how many f'ing dangers there are. I like the last drop where you almost get knocked against that huge rock on the right that looks nasty undercut. THe other guys came even closer.
Good hole ride!

Re: Russell Fork Gorge in Virginia Class V+ run video
Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 11:18 pm
by BMuu
That rock at the end is known as Braille Roock due to reading "Braille" with your fingertips while trying to push your way out from under it if you get pushed under there. The guy paddling with me says he has been under it before and it earned its name.
Re: Russell Fork Gorge in Virginia Class V+ run video
Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 7:03 pm
by kayakmamma
Great video and awesome paddling!