Alan G. coordinated a trip on the North Branch of the Potomac from Westernport to Black Oak/Gary Yoder. In attendance were Dave S., Katherine M., and Alan G in OC-1s. Ron S. in a K-1 and Stinson L. in a C-1.
The weather was outstanding in the mid-70s and the water was already up at 10:30AM, which is when we met at the Westernport Subway sandwich shop parking lot. Whether this was caused by an early release from Jennings Randolph Dam up stream or various culverts/rivulets that were carrying storm run off, the water was undeniably up earlier and higher than on 3 previous descents by the coordinator. Mostly this just buried the rocks a bit deeper and washed out a few wave trains.
[ They had 1,040 cfs from Jennings Randolph Dam, 200 from Savage Dam, and 114 coming out of George's Creek = 1,354 cfs. ]
All paddled exceptionally, except the coordinator, who decided to do an impromptu fish survey at the bottom of the Class II+ rapid just above McCoole access ramp. Ignoring his own advice to stay "center right," he went too far right and flipped. After self-rescuing, all enjoyed lunch at the McCoole boat ramp before proceeding to the Black Oak/Gary Yoder take out without further drama.