Woodstock Waves

There are high water waves on the Ottauquechee River in Woodstock, Vermont below the Elm street bridge. The best levels are not well known. Suffice to say... HIGH! A friend of mine has surfed here when the inflow gauge on quechee gorge was at about 3000 cfs. That's a ways downstream, but probably a good indicator of the low side. There used to be an online realtime usgs gauge upstream but it looks as if it's been decommissioned,  or at least de-linked. Hurricane Irene levels (100 year flood high) are probably the upper end for surfing here. The video above, from the hurricane, shows what things look like when the water is so high that the floodplains are getting cleaned of all their propane tanks. Not necessarily a good time to be on the water. But the waves look ridiculous. Good luck driving there on a day like that. I guess if the world were ending in a flood and you lived in Woodstock this might be a pretty good way to go out. Until then, look for high water and don't get arrested or clobbered by a propane tank. Any further info on these waves is welcome.

Local Hurricane Relief Efforts

Dear paddlers of the upper valley and beyond. As you may know, many folks around here, especially in Vermont have lost a great deal due to the recent flooding. I hope you got out on the good water safely. It looks like there's more in store. I would like to ask you dear readers, who like me, love high water and epic surf, to consider contributing in some way to help those who've suffered much from Hurricane Irene. Best is to help someone you know... next best, someone you don't. If you're looking for an outlet, the Tucker Foundation is coordinating some community response, both monetary and in-kind donations. They are good people, not much like the norm at Dartmouth. I hope you made it through safe and sound friends. Shalom. Jolyon

PS: I do know one local guy, a paddler, who lost his home. Here's how to help.