Repairs to Wolf Creek Dam

This page addresses the question:

"What affect does the lowered lake level have on my paddling trip?"

For those not up to date with what this question is all about, here is a little background information. Wolf Creek Dam is a dam on the Cumberland River that forms Lake Cumberland. Starting in January, 2007, the Corp of Engineers began repairing faults in this dam and lowered the level of Lake Cumberland to relieve pressure on the dam. Two of the three rivers we service are on the upstream side of Lake Cumberland and feed into the lake.

There are two versions of the answers below: the SHORT ANSWER and the LONG ANSWER.

This is the first time in 25 years that the lake has been this low. These are our best assessment of the changes. As our season progresses, we will post updates here. If you have any specific questions that are not addressed here, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-541-7238 or email us.

SHORT ANSWER

All our trips are still running -- most with either a change for the better or no change at all. Below you will find a summary of the changes to trips. If your trip is not listed, it is not affected by the changes in lake level.

Rafting Trips

• Cumberland Below the Falls -- Best rafting in 25 years!! Thank you Corps of Engineers!!!
• Big South Fork - Gorge -- No effect
• Big South Fork - Canyon -- No effect
• Russell Fork - Fun Run -- No effect
• Russell Fork - Family Run -- No effect

Canoe Trips

• Upper Cumberland - 28-mile -- No effect
• Upper Cumberland - 17-mile -- No effect
• Upper Cumberland - 5-mile -- No effect
• Big South Fork - Middle Section -- No effect
• Big South Fork - Lower Section -- Replace still pools, with flowing river.

Cumberland Star River Boat

• Lunch Cruise -- Same cruise time and logistics, possible different route and speed
• Charter Cruise -- No effect

LONG ANSWER

Ok folks, you asked for it.... Since most trips are not affected, this section will go into just shy of gory detail on the 4 sections of river that are affected by the changing lake levels. There is one rafting trip, 3 sections of the Big South Fork canoeing, and one River Boat Cruise that are affected.

Rafting - Cumberland Below the Falls

The Cumberland River runs into Lake Cumberland, so the change in lake levels does not affect the river levels or Cumberland Falls itself at all. Because the lake level is down, we have several more Class III rapids showing during the summer than we normally have. We do not usually see these last rapids until later in the summer. In addition, the Cumberland Star riverboat is not able to make it up the river. In 2007, the drop in Lake Cumberland was exacberated by a severe drought. While the 5-mile rafting section of the trip itself was great to good, even with the drought, the logistics of dealing with the last 5 miles had significant impacts on the total trip. The Corps of Engineers may raise the lake by 5-10 feet in 2008. Depending on what the 2008 level is (and possibly also daily water levels), we may continue with the motorized raft towing the other rafts to the nearest boat ramp. We are also working with the Forest Service to try to create a trail to hike out from the river to a place where we can get some type of motorized transportation. We will continue to provide updates on this space, including any other methods that we come up with (and we welcome suggestions). It is possible that a decision as to which method we use may change on daily or weekly basis, depending on which we think will make for a better trip given the current conditions.

Canoeing - Big South Fork - Lower Section - Blue Heron to Yamacraw Bridge

Normally, Lake Cumberland covers this section of river starting in May. This means that in May, there is only a little flowing water before the river flows into the lake. By Late-June, this section had flow most of the way to Yamacraw. With the lake lower, this section has moving water all season.

Canoeing - Big South Fork - Lower Section - Yamacraw Bridge to Alum Ford

Normally, Lake Cumberland covered this section thru Late August. With the lake lower, this section will have moving water all season.

Canoeing - Big South Fork - Lower Section - Alum Ford to Hwy 927

Normally, Lake Cumberland covered this section thru October. With the lake lower, this section will have moving water all season.

Cumberland Star River Boat - Lunch Cruise

The Cumberland Star River Boat Lunch Cruise has been cancelled. We will be trying to contact any parties that have reservations to notify them. If you have reservations, please call us at 1-800-541-7238.

Sheltowee Trace Outfitters P.O. Box 1060 Whitley City, KY 42653 1-800-541-RAFT (7238) fax: 1-866-FAX-RAFT (866-329-7238) e-mail: funky-rafting.com www.ky-rafting.com