Gauge Conditions
Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description
In the first mile and a half after some fast moving flatwater comes a three foot tall ledge. The middle has a rather strong hole with a major backwash at 1500 cfs. At 1000, the ledge can still throw boats vertical and recirculate swimmers. Fortunately there is a big eddy on the right to gather up gear. This rapid was run for the very first time during the Sept 17th release since this section was too over grown to be run during the test releases and the natural flows. Craik Davis helped with that cleanup effort that opened this up and was the first one over the top ledge on the morning of 9/17. He also got munched by the hydrolic & SWAM. The rapid is named in honor of his hard work and unfortunate incident that ended his run very early that day. FYI - Craik did have a successfull run of that ledge & the entire river during the Oct 1 release.
Location
Other Rapids on This Run (20)
Rapid
Put-In
Rapid
First diversion pipe
Hazard
IV
The rapid above the pipe
Rapid
III+
Swinging Bridge Rapid
Hazard
IV+
Wilma's Ledge aka God's Dam
Hazard
IV+
Takeout Rapid (not the takeout)
Hazard
Takeout/Entrance
Hazard
Takeout/First Drop
Rapid
IV
Typical Upper Cheoah Scene
Rapid
IV
Typical Rapid on the Middle Cheoah - Yellow Creek Rapid.
Rapid
IV
Land of Holes
Rapid
I
The deadend pool
Rapid
III
The easy stuff
Rapid
The Forest Service Bridge
Playspot
III
Rod's Hole
Rapid
IV+
Entrance to Bear Creek Rapid
Waterfall
V
The Falls
Hazard
V
Bear Creek Rapid (The Slide)
Rapid
IV+
Bear Creek - The left side of the Island.
Hazard
V
Bear Creek Rapid (The Hole)
View Full Run
Santeetlah Dam to Calderwood Lake Boat Launch
Cheoah
IV-V
9.1 mi
Hazard — Exercise extreme caution in this area.
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
American Whitewater