This description is based on a flow of 4000Mld from the dam. In the summer months between 2000 and 6000Mld are common with the specific level being determined by how much water is actually available and how much is ordered by the irrigators. The peak levels are in late January. The Dam is capable of spilling over one million mega litres a day in flood, although the spillway has only been needed once in 10 years when 90,000M|d were released. The riverbed downstream of Copeton Dam consists of massive granite bedrock and boulders. The river itself tends to be short, flat pools interspersed by some VERY big rapids. When you get on the water warm up thoroughly, because the first section is a thriller. The first rapid, "Double Trouble", should be inspected on the right bank directly below the flood gates. After inspecting the rapid you will probably decide to slip down on the right rather than crack the main stoppers. About 250m of superb stoppers, haystacks and holes ("More Trouble") follow which provide good opportunities for reverse loops and heart palpitations. Before you get to the corner get out and inspect the next rapid, the aptly named "Real Trouble". This grade 5 can easily be portaged on the right or paddled just to the left of the middle flow. It is crucial to generate good speed in this rapid. The river then eases up for about a kilometre before "ABC" (Al Bakkers Capsize - Map Ref. 885979), another grade 5. This is best inspected on the left where there is an easy portage-line. The stopper at the very bottom of "ABC" should be treated with great respect as it is shaped very much like a man-made weir and has an enormously deep and powerful suckback which has crunched more than one good paddler. This can be avoided via the left channel. About 250m later is the "Umbrella Falls" which is a straight 3-4m drop. Go over on the left to miss the rocks at the bottom. From the falls there is about a kilometre or so of grade 3-4 rapids until "Big Mother" which is probably not quite as hard as it looks. The river then eases again for about 2km although a tree race must be negotiated at Map Ref. 872967. To do so, stay generally on the left-hand side of the river. The next rapid, "Three Blind Mice" is easy; followed by the excellent "Satan's Surf" (Map Ref. 876964). About 500m below "Satan's SutJ" at Map Ref. 880960 there is a grade 6 rapid, aptly named "Dead End Falls". Stay on the right-hand side when approaching the falls to a good sized pool for an easy portage. About 400m below there is an even bigger rapid - "Sapphire Falls". It is important, especially at high water levels, to stay on the extreme right as you approach the rapid. The portage is another easy one on the right. From here there are 4 excellent rapids, including the "S-Bend", "The Tombstone" and "The Equalizer", all of which are relatively straightforward. After this it is about a 45 minute to t hour paddle past huge granite slabs and boulders to the finish. The sliding rock on the right-hand side is about 1km before the end.