Today Dennis and I decided to try redo this Smith River run at a different water level. The Philpott dam had a 2 unit release instead of 1 unit releases we have done in the past. The dam ran from 1-5 today. Sources told us it runs 1 unit for the first and last hour and 2 units the rest. We put in at 2:30pm and got out at Bassett at 4:45.
The water level was up about 2 more feet than the last time. Many of the rapids were washed out but the current was stronger than usual. I would rather do this run at a 1 unit release. It is more fun and the rapids are better. Mark at Three Rivers Outfitters told me that you need to wait a minium of 1 hour after a dam releases in order not out run the water. The water is crystal clear and the scenary is pretty for the most part. It does have several ugly trailers on the way.
We saw a bald eagle flying over the water today and a otter in Philpott Lake. We also saw many wild ducks and Grey herrons.
This run has push and current. I would not take beginners on this run because the water is deep and would be very difficult correct a swamped boat. There is very very few places you can stand up on this run and the water was about 43 degrees and it was 95 degrees outside.
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