The flow of the Elk River was high because of recent rains and dam generation.  The canoe operator took the right fork at Dickey Island which is a straight, deep channel with steep sides.  This side has a greater speed of flow during normal circumstances, but was compounded by rain and dam generation.  operator attempted to stop his vessel by standing and holding onto a tree branch.  This action destabilized his vessel and swamped it causing it to capsize and eject it's occupants.  operator and his son were able to swim to Dickey Island.  victim, who was injured, swam to the other shore which was made up of a rock ledge and a small cliff.  victim held onto a tree on the shore while still in the water.  This lead to mild hypothermia and abrasions to her inner thighs from the tree bark of the tree she held to until her rescue by Lincoln County EMA.
Kelso                         