Loon Mtn. Rapid

Update: Post-Hurricane Irene this is a different rapid. The upper section is easier; at the bottom the left is more technical and pushy.  [Prior description: At the bridge to Loon Mountain ski area, the river drops over the most difficult rapid on the Pemi. This rapid has changed over the past several years, a flood in 1994 undermined the bridge abutments. The bridge abutments were repaired and the riverbed was filled with blasted rock just downstream of the abutments. This changed the rapid considerably leaving no good channel to run until the river scoured out a couple of channels over the past few years. The far left channel is easiest; it starts just past the bridge and is mostly a clean stair step drop onto the head of a rock island that splits the river. At this point you can maneuver to river right and complete the drop through a myriad of sharp pinning boulders that require lots of maneuvering or you can stay in the river left channel at higher water levels for an easier run. The right channel at the top of the rapid is more difficult because of the precise lines required to run it successfully. The usual route threads a pushy course along the left side of the channel bouncing thru some big waves. At higher water you can also thread your way down a narrow chute towards the right side of the channel. Scout this rapid carefully before you run.]