Safety

Generation from Buford Dam raises the river by several feet within minutes. These rules are non-negotiable.

• Cold water kills

  Year-round 50°F discharge causes hypothermia in minutes. Always wear a wader belt and dress in layers you can move in.

• Sirens mean leave the water — now

  Don't finish the drift. Don't grab your gear. Walk to the bank and keep moving uphill.

• Monitor 1610 AM

  USACE broadcasts dam operations on AM 1610 near Buford Dam. Keep a receiver with you.

• Never wade alone

  Bring a partner. If you must fish alone, tell someone where and when you expect to return, and stay within sight of the bank.

• Wear a belt

  A cinched wader belt buys you minutes when water pushes in. It's the single cheapest piece of safety gear you own.

Always verify current dam status with USACE before wading: water.sam.usace.army.mil/buford.htm