These photos were taken on the Potomac River at Great Falls (Maryland side) on 3/30/05. The river had just crested in the aftermath of several days of hard rain. It was as high (and violent) as anyone has seen it for several years. Even a portion of the observation bridge was under water. The roar was probably in excess of 100dB. Oh, yeah, and the water was bloody cold!

Some of these shots are series of 5-8 motor drive shots taken in an attempt to animate the motion of the water. In a few shots you may notice where the water seems to breaking backwards (upstream); These are so-called rotors or rollers, where anything going into one (e.g., kayakers) is spun and held there, mainly underwater for an extended period of time. Needless to say, these things are dangerous; there have been a number of people over the years who have wandered into one and been drowned -- sometimes hever to be seen again. Tough stuff. The Park Service rescue helicopter gets a workout this time of year.