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Latest river levels will affect some Dominion Riverrock participants

Posted at 7:44 AM, May 16, 2014
and last updated 2014-05-16 17:39:23-04

RICHMOND, Va. – Due to the heavy rainfall Thursday into Friday, some rivers in our viewing area have approached or exceeded flood stage

Additionally, the Dominion Riverrock festival kicks off this evening.

With water levels expected to rise as high as 16.3 feet by Saturday, May 17 at 12 p.m., Dominion Riverrock is requiring all Kayak Freestyle, Kayak Boatercross, and SUP Cross participants to obtain a high water permit in order to compete.

High water permits can be purchased for $10 at the fire station located at 411 E. Commerce Rd. All paddlers must also have bombproof rolls.

“The paddlers in these events need to be highly qualified experts that are comfortable paddling in boils, whirlpools, large waves and breaking holes,” said Sports Backers executive director Jon Lugbill. “We are both excited about having high water for this event and concerned for safety, so we want to make sure that only paddlers that feel comfortable on the river in flood take part.”

Lugbill is also the race director for these river events and reserves the right to prohibit anyone from participating based on his judgment of their skill level.

Any participants that do not feel comfortable on the river during flood conditions can request a refund by e-mailing info@sportsbackers.org. All refunds will be processed within one week.

Click on the following items to access the latest river stages and the National Weather Service river forecast:

Click here for river stages and forecasts all across Virginia.