River is running high lets get stupid?

[Elecinvestg]

Went up to Transmission site to take care of things today and the Kiski River is running extremely high today .
The Kiski ,the locals tell me has an undertow current as strong as the Nile. River.

Wouldn't you know it 2 groups out canoeing and kayaking it.

First group well equipped life jackets,helmets, wetsuits etc.2nd group not so well prepared.

Now I know that has to be one fast trip and an adrenaline rush.and there's no law against stupidity.
But one should consider that if they get in trouble out there the fact there not only putting there life on the line but those of the rescue personnel.

It is one thing to shoot the rapids at Ohio Pyle with experienced guides.
Is is a another on a river that is flooded and numerous underwater hazards ready to snag and kill you.
We lost 2 Brother FF;s in Butler county few years back over such stupidity
near McConnell's Mill SP

[EMT/FF99]

Rather ironic that you mention about the stupidity on the river, here is a article pertaining to the Beaver River.

Crews Rescue Family On Beaver River Guess when it rains, it pours with stupidity.

Originally Posted by Elecinvestg

Went up to Transmission site to take care of things today and the Kiski River is running extremely high today .
The Kiski ,the locals tell me has an undertow current as strong as the Nile. River.

Wouldn't you know it 2 groups out canoeing and kayaking it.

First group well equipped life jackets,helmets, wetsuits etc.2nd group not so well prepared.

Now I know that has to be one fast trip and an adrenaline rush.and there's no law against stupidity.
But one should consider that if they get in trouble out there the fact there not only putting there life on the line but those of the rescue personnel.

It is one thing to shoot the rapids at Ohio Pyle with experienced guides.
Is is a another on a river that is flooded and numerous underwater hazards ready to snag and kill you.
We lost 2 Brother FF;s in Butler county few years back over such stupidity
near McConnell's Mill SP

[Elecinvestg]

Same story how many people have you seen try to drive thru a flooded area and think they can make it.
Most people have no idea how fast a creek or river can rise.
why would you go out on a paddle boat when you know its about to storm.
there where warnings out all day.

[grumpier old man]

Its no different here in Centrl Pa as well...some one thinks the FISH run better in the high water, are U a FISH ? well said,and noteing that Western Pa is like 8 hrs behind us here as water shed run off... we will see it today as the river (Susquehanna) is filled by its tributaries from western part of the area (before Blue Mtn)..it may not be flooding but localized was noted as banks cant hold what is running thru....I have a cheap tarp like cover on back porch,i use it to deter heat and sun off back of the house, id rather slice a hole in it then let the weight of the water pull it down...as long as the frame survives tarps are cheap to replace each yr...

water weights 8 lbs per gal and is moving at what rate per hr... start figuring the brute force of its power moving down hill...and that does not include what is running with in it...

[EMT/FF99]

We had a few up here in NW Pa a few years back that pulled a similiar move in French Creek. A husband & wife hunting ducks on French Creek in their little boat (after a tremendous downpour along with the winter runoff draining). Things progressively worse for them as time went on. 2 local VFDs got their SWR teams together & managed to save them.

They almost lost 2 FFs during this rescue & the couple's response was "We didnt think the water was really that bad".

French Creek in the meantime was over her banks in many small towns, but they didnt it was that bad.

Stupidity rules very easy & common sense is headed right out the door.

[BigDave]

I have been on the Kiski when I barely got my shoes wet and when a 30hp inflatable had trouble going up river. I have also seen ropes rigged along Buffalo Creek and when the water went to "normal" levels a few days later, the ropes were probably 15' off the ground. All water can be deceiving and bottom line is people need to pay attention.