Great Works Dam?

[gfatula]

What is the status of running through the old Great Works Dam? Anyone paddled down through there in an open canoe this year?

Thanks,

George

[clayton]

I looked at the river - didn't paddle it- about 14 days ago when the river was fairly hih - 10,000 cfs.
There were some large standing on the left side of French Island, and on the right below the Island. I saw some waves that could swamp an open canoe but they could be avoided.
This section can be done with intermediate experience in a typical touring or DR canoe or kayak. More experienced paddlers could do it in a flatwater canoe in lower flows I would rate it class 2-3 at high flow , probably Class 1-2 at >3000, expect it would be rocky with some shoals.
At that level a lot of fast moving water reminiscent of the Kennebec from W Forks to Caratunk at 4-5,000
Park and launch at the Park in Old Town, and paddle about 8 miles to the boat launch in north Eddington where the current stops/backs up form the Veazie Dam.

I expect when that dam is removed later this year we may find steeper gradiant and even better WW from Eddington to Bangor.

The Old Town - Eddington section could make a fine summer or fall easy WW race

[gfatula]

Thanks Clayton.

George