This is meant to be a difficult cache. It is a 5/5 cache. It is not to be done without someone who is experienced in kayaking or canoeing. I will follow up with people to make sure they are actually going down the Coosa.
A week before my wedding my groomsmen decided to take me to the Coosa for some "manly" things. This was my first time canoeing and while it was fun I will never forget fracturing my tailbone at the infamous Moccasin Gap section of the Coosa. I had to use a doughnut to sit while on my honeymoon. I will never forgive, I mean forget, Moccasin Gap for it...I still have problems sitting for long periods of time!
Coosa River Adventures, http://www.coosariveradventures.com, will give you info on boat rentals and schedules.
About Moccasin Gap
The Jordan Dam Tailwater of the Coosa River flows about 7 miles into Wetumpka. Over this section of the river are pools, shoals and rapids. Alabama Power controls the water flow to Moccasin Gap from the Jordan Dam to ensure good water flow for whitewater boating and general enhancement of the area. This section of river is home to the infamous Moccasin Gap rapids.
Moccasin Gap is the shortest, but toughest, whitewater on the Coosa river. It is located about halfway down the whitewater stretch of the Coosa. On the east side of the Gap is a small island. The river center rock at Moccasin Gap is a great place to stop and swim, picnic with your family and watch the kayakers.
Explanation of Whitewater and Factors
Whitewater is meant to refer to water in a river or stream that has become so turbulent that it makes the water look white. Whitewater can be formed by 4 different factors.
- Streambed topography is the primary factor in creating rapids.
- A river's downward slope, it's "gradient", increases enough to disturb its laminar flow, it's "down river" flow.
- Constriction of the river in which the water is forced into a narrower section.
- Obstructions are maybe the most dangerous of all the whitewater factors. These include large, and sometimes jagged, rocks that can lead to injuries (like fractured tailbones) and death.
Rapid Grade (from wikipedia)
A rapid's grade is not fixed, since it may vary greatly depending on the water depth and speed of flow. Although some rapids may be easier at high flows because features are covered or "washed-out," high water usually makes rapids more difficult and dangerous. At flood stage, even rapids which are usually easy can contain lethal and unpredictable hazards.
- Class 1: Very small rough areas, requires no maneuvering. (Skill Level: None)
- Class 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, small drops, might require maneuvering. (Skill Level: Basic Paddling Skill)
- Class 3: Whitewater, medium waves, maybe a 3–5 ft drop, but not much considerable danger. May require significant maneuvering. (Skill Level: Experienced paddling skills)
- Class 4: Whitewater, large waves, long rapids, rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers may be needed. (Skill Level: Whitewater Experience)
- Class 5: Whitewater, large waves, continuous rapids, large rocks and hazards, maybe a large drop, precise maneuvering (Skill Level: Advanced Whitewater Experience)
- Class 6: Whitewater, typically with huge waves, huge rocks and hazards, huge drops, but sometimes labeled this way due to largely invisible dangers (e.g. , a smooth slide that creates a near-perfect, almost inescapable hydraulic, as at Woodall Shoals/Chattooga). Class 6 rapids are considered hazardous even for expert paddlers using state-of-the-art equipment, and come with the warning "danger to life or limb." (Skill Level: Expert)
Logging Requirements
To log this cache you must actually visit Moccasin Gap and answer the following questions (Email me the answer. Logs with the answer will be deleted):
- What, in your opinion, is the class of the rapid the day of your visit? Why?
- What is your elevation at the spot you put into the water? What is your elevation at the cache coordinates?
- Send me an email describing, in detail, the factors that contribute to the whitewater being formed at Moccasin Gap.
- What did you use to get to Moccasin Gap?
- Also, please upload a picture of your GPSr AND/OR yourself at Moccasin Gap with the rapids in the background.
You must have visited the site after this cache was published. No previous adventures. If I feel like you did not actually visit Moccasin Gap then the picture will confirm it for me.