West Fork, Tuckasegee

West Fork of the Tuckasegee. Class IV+
Dam release was 250cfs.
July 6th 2024
Personal first descent

Due to a storm the night before, local boaters that have paddled the river before believed the release was up to 100cfs more to lower the lake levels. Multiple locals said the river was probably at 350cfs. Additionally this storm knocked down many new trees that made for additional hazards.

West Fork of the Tuck only releases 10 times per year making it a rare river to get the opportunity to paddle. However this also makes it a very challenging river because new wood could be in play and rapids are ever changing so each trip is different. This trip turned into a first descent style voyage with local boaters leading us down and scouting everything for wood. The trip was intense and high anxiety. This is the hardest/most dangerous river I have done in my paddling career thus far. Looking back I had a blast, I hope to return and run some of the rapids I portaged.