Quote:
Originally Posted by jayhawk_nation
So you're saying go down the river coming out of the marina and spin around when it is safe before heading back up? And go past the marina coming back before spinning back? My only question is, how fast does the current get moving, and when is it the worst? I feel like the current adds stress to an already stressful and busy area. Are there any days when it is too fast for your boat to handle, or at least too fast, where you feel unsafe?
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Major and Steve-on-Mark have clarified things well. In general, the current is worst in the spring due to snowmelt, and the Lakeport dam operators having to let more water out to compensate. Outflows can also be raised during the season if there have been extensive rains, raising the level too high. So it’s never a case of Tuesdays being fast current days or anything like that.
I got into the habit of checking the state website showing dam output as a way to gauge the current. Wide open, which is in the 1800 cfm range, means the channel is running very fast. 250 cfm is about the minimum flow, with minimal affect on channel velocity.
This post from JeffK has the details on where to find this info.
With the current dock setup, you’re exiting a bit further down the channel which helps. The gas dock area can be very difficult to navigate when the current is running hard. Exiting towards Paugus Bay helps in dealing with faster current, though if it’s a busy day with lots of traffic it gets hairy trying to hold position trying to get out.