The Powell River is the second largest free-flowing (un-dammed) river in Tennessee. There is a 1,000 square mile watershed above the Regatta Race Course - mostly up in southwestern Virginia. River flow rates are mostly dependent on upstream precipitation and ground moisture conditions. The Powell River is a Class 1 river with long flowing segments, intermittent rapids, and a few ledges (at extreme low water).

 

There are two U.S.G.S flow gauges on the Powell that give flow readings every 15 minutes. River fluctuations at the Jonesville, VA Gauging Station will generally be seen in the Tennessee segments of the Powell River 18 – 30 hours later. The Gauging Station at Arthur, TN  gives a pretty good idea of current flow over the Regatta Race Course.

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The Regatta takes place between RM 92 and RM 80. The Powell enters the slack waters of Norris Lake between RM 55 and 35 depending on the elevation of Norris Lake.