Bradford Era
By AMANDA JONES Era Correspondent amandajonesera@yahoo.com | 0 comments
EMPORIUM
— Organizers for the 2015 Cameron County Canoe and Kayak Classic were forced to relocate the race to the lake at Stevenson’s Dam in Sinnemahoning State Park due to extremely high water levels.
The 41st annual Canoe Classic, traditionally held on a 12-mile stretch of the Driftwood Branch of the Sinnemahoning Creek from the Emporium Country Club to the Borough of Driftwood, was set to go on as usual until a day or so before the race when water levels began to climb.
As of the beginning of last week, conditions were announced as “perfect” with river flow rates around 650 cubic feet per second (cfs) at Sterling Run.
Due to last year’s race held on the river in higher-than-average water conditions that saw more than 30 water rescues performed by local volunteer organizations during the hours-long race, water flow limits were put in place to ensure the safety of all paddlers.
At the low end, if water flow dropped beneath 325 cfs, the race would likely have been moved to Stevenson’s Dam. On the high end, if rates went above 2,000 cfs, inexperienced paddlers were to be started at Sterling Run, thus avoiding many of the hazardous spots. If above 2,900 cfs, the race would be moved to Stevenson’s Dam, as well, due to concerns over fast water and the risk for downed trees and debris.
By 6 p.m. the day before the race, water levels had risen drastically to nearly the cutoff for moving the race. At 4 a.m., it was announced via the Canoe Classic website the race would be moved to Stevenson’s for safety reasons
At 7:45 a.m., flow rates at Sterling Run were recorded at 4,350 cfs, far too high for the race to be permitted on its regular route. Several trees had been washed out and were blocking the stream along the race route, as well, causing further hazards in the area.
After registration at the country club, participants were directed to Stevenson’s Dam, where the race was slated to begin just slightly behind its scheduled start time of 11 a.m
Just as organizers were readying to lay out buoys and take safety boats out onto the water, an emergency call came in and a number of local agencies who were on hand to handle water rescues or other issues were forced to leave the scene to help with a water rescue on the Driftwood Branch, the original race course.
Several agencies, including the Cameron County Emergency Management Agency, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and Sinnemahoning Ambulance left the dam to assist in rescue and recovery efforts, but enough personnel from Mountaineer Search and Rescue, Renovo Water Rescue and other agencies remained on hand to run the event.
Organizer Randy Bailey laid out a race course around the lake, which had swollen significantly in size due to the rains and snow melt over the previous 24 hours. Two flights were lined up; recreational canoes and kayaks were to take one lap around the lake, and more experienced paddlers were to take two laps.
Concerns were not limited to fast water and a lower-than-ideal number of emergency personnel. Air temperatures were in the low 40s, and gusting winds of 10 or more miles per hour were compounding issues.
Despite weather and water conditions, the race had a good turnout, and the majority of those who registered and showed up at the dam opted to participate.
Awards of handmade wooden paddles were given, as they are every year, to race winners, with an awards ceremony and spaghetti dinner banquet held at the Emporium Volunteer Fire Department following the race.
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