Streamflow Duration and Recreational Flows on Three Southeastern Streams

Abstract

Whitewater boating has become an important part of the economy and has significantly changed the cultural landscape of numerous communities in the Southeast. In this paper I examine the flow duration statistics for three Southeastern streams to determine how often they typically flow at rates sufficient for kayaking and rafting. Those three streams are shown to have substantial differences in the frequency with which flows are adequately sustained for whitewater boating; the Nolichucky averages over 300 opportunity days per year, while the Watauga and Emory average fewer than 100 opportunity days per year. Reasons for those differences are examined and related to a combination of climatic and geomorphic factors. Decadal and inter-annual variability of flows for the three streams are examined and temporal trends discussed.