2014 Pigeon River Recreation Releases

Content

Welcome!

Introduction

The calendars below describe the "recreation releases" tentatively scheduled for the Pigeon River below Walters Powerhouse in 2014.  Note that by passing your cursor over the colored calendar cells the release information will appear in a pop-up text window.

Gage Information

Boatable releases occur on the Pigeon most of the year.  In addition to the releases whose main purpose is to generate power, Progress Energy is required to provide recreational releases when water is available from 12noon to 6pm (as recorded at a brige one mile downstream from the put-in;  the release reaches the put-in just downstream of the dam about 11:30am) every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to the Saturday of Labor Day weekend.  They are also required to provide recreational releases from 2pm to 6pm (as recorded at the brige) three weekdays a week for each of the four weeks preceeding Memorial Day weekend.  Traditionally these days have been Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, but to be sure call the recorded message to confirm.

Notes

The number to call to confirm releases is 1-800-899-4435.  You'll hear a recorded message announcing the anticipated release dates for the coming week.  The message is updated every Friday year round.  During drought years it is wise to call to confirm every release!  For current Pigeon River Gorge levels, consult the boatingbeta MyFlows page.  The minimum recreational release is 1200 cfs.

Shuttle Information

Jeff Greiner at Wildwater Ltd. writes that boaters are welcome to park at Wildwater while running the Pigeon (Upper or Lower).  Jeff asks only that private boaters park in spots farthest from the main rafting center so rafting guests take the closer spots.  In addition, if used with respect, showers and changing rooms are available in the building (open 24/7) in front of the rafting center.  Wildwater's take out ramp is on the eastern side of their property and Wildwater asks that boaters not park or hang out on or at the ramp except for loading since trips, busses, and vans with trailers are constantly needing access to that area.  Wildwater has a large pavillion at that end of the property and a small parking lot is available on the west side of that building.  A quick hello to the manager never hurts and recovery shuttles are available when Wildwater's busses or vans are running up trips when space is available.  Thanks Wildwater!