Thursday June 19, 2003 Online Since 1996 Vol. 77 No. 52

The Appalachian | News
Excessive rain creates dangerous waterways
Recent Appalachian graduate dies on local rafting trip 		by Jessica Hines
Associate Editor

Josh Brown | Chief Photographer
New River is one place frequented for watersports. The above normal precipitation for June creates dangerous spots in area waterways..
    Above normal precipitation in June is responsible for dangerous conditions along area rivers and at least one death.
    Appalachian State University graduate Nathan E. Raymer died Monday, June 9 while rafting on a local waterway.
    The average precipitation for Boone in June is 4.79 inches, and as of Monday rainfall reached just over 6 inches, according to associate professor of computer science Dr. Ray C. Russell’s Web site, www.booneweather.com.
    Blowing Rock has seen 12.55 inches of rain in June, as of Tuesday according to the Web site.
    Levels on the Yadkin River in Elkin are rising, and are nearing flood stage, according to the National Weather Service’s Southeast River Forecast Center. The Yadkin River is the closest river to Boone with predicted level increases for the next five days.
    Patrick Mannion, a recent recreational management graduate and trip leader for Wahoo Whitewater Rafting & Canoeing Outfitters said he believes the recent rainfall has led to river levels “right where they should be.”
   “In the four years I’ve been here we’ve yet to see the sustained high water we’re seeing now,” Mannion said Tuesday.
    He said current river levels are normal, and the past few years’ drought conditions have made people believe the water levels are above normal.
    But there are dangerous conditions, Mannion said.
    “If you’re unfamiliar with the water you should find someone who knows what they’re doing,” Mannion said. “I recommend going with a professional. They’re more knowledgeable.
    “I don’t think the water is dangerous, but there are dangerous spots.”
    Zaloo’s Canoes of South Jefferson did not open for business Tuesday due to “water levels and currents,” according to their answering machine.		  
 
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