Scheduled Whitewater Releases

Scheduled whitewater dam releases 2026 create Class IV and Class V rapids on rivers that otherwise run too low to paddle. The Gauley River release schedule typically covers 6 release weekends from late September through October, totaling about 22 release days (USACE Pittsburgh District’s annual Gauley release schedule) — a major whitewater release destination in the eastern United States. The Lehigh dam release from Francis E. Walter Dam runs approximately 6 weekend dates per year. The Russell Fork Flannagan Dam typically releases on the first 4 weekends of October (USACE Pittsburgh District pattern). The Ocoee release dates typically span weekends from spring through fall (TVA) under a TVA-managed schedule, and the Cheoah dam release typically runs the Class IV section on Saturdays from March through October (Brookfield Renewable pattern).

Each entry below links to the operating agency’s official USACE release schedule for the Gauley, Lehigh, and Russell Fork; the TVA Ocoee River schedule for the Ocoee; and Brookfield Renewable for the Cheoah and West River. RiverScout reconciles agency schedules with current USGS gauge data so you can confirm whether a river is running on schedule before you drive. We also track mid-season schedule revisions driven by reservoir levels or weather.

Several rivers run on demand rather than on a fixed calendar — the Kennebec Gorge in Maine releases daily through the summer, Cherry Creek in California runs weekend recreational releases from New Melones Dam, and the Upper Youghiogheny in Maryland runs weekend releases from June through September. Each has a dedicated river page on RiverScout with live gauge readings.

When does the Gauley River release season start?

The 2026 Gauley River release schedule is unverified. Historically, USACE begins releases the Friday after Labor Day in September.

Is the Ocoee River releasing today?

Real-time release status for the Ocoee River depends on TVA’s daily generation schedule. Check the TVA Ocoee River schedule on the TVA website for current release status.

What class is the Cheoah River during dam releases?

The Cheoah River is rated Class IV-V during scheduled releases according to American Whitewater. The Cheoah dam release runs on Saturdays from March through October under a Brookfield Renewable schedule.

How much does it cost to paddle the Gauley during fall releases?

There is no fee to paddle the Gauley River. Boater access at Mason’s Branch requires a National Forest Recreation Pass.

When is the Lehigh River dam release schedule announced?

The 2026 Francis E. Walter Dam release schedule is unverified. USACE typically announces the Lehigh dam release schedule in early spring.

What are the Russell Fork Flannagan Dam release dates?

The 2026 Flannagan Dam release dates for the Russell Fork are unverified. Releases historically occur on the first 4 weekends of October, and the USACE release schedule is linked below.