Upper Nantahala beta from my friend Steve Pack

Subtract 600-650 cfs from the gauge and that’s what’s in the Upper Nantahala. The powerhouse can only contribute 600-650 cfs, the rest is runoff upstream of the gauge. At 1000 cfs, you’ve got about 350 cfs of runoff. That reflects White Oak Creek, the tributaries and what’s being released from the dam. Nantahala Lake is above target level (as of 05-07-20), so any significant rain will cause them to release some.

Short version...if the gauge is 1000 cfs or above, you’re pretty good to go. One of my favorite levels is 2000 on the gauge, about 1600 in the Upper. It’s a mini Cheoah. 3 miles of Class III boogie water.
Have fun!

Link to gauge:  https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?03505550

The gauge reflects runoff also below the cascades, so not as predictable as a rec release where it all comes from the dam. As with all nonscheduled releases, scout it, watch the radar for rain. Duke will occasionally boost the flow if there’s been significant rain. They bumped it to 3000 on the gauge once. The duke guy saw us on the lot and warned us. We got 2.5 laps before we got off. 3000 cfs on the gauge really doesn’t have safe head clearance at the Troll Hole bridge. - Steve