Station
Number
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Station Name
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Date/Time
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Gage
Height
(feet)
|
Stream
Flow
(ft³/s)
|
Water
Temp
(°F)
|
Flow
Forecast
|
Show All
Hide All
|
|
Google
Map
|
| 01053500
|
Androscoggin River, Errol, NH Cl I-II
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9/24/2017 7:15 AM
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1.98
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1230
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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20 miles of class I & II+ paddling. Most often runs when all other rivers are too low.
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| 04275500
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Ausable River, Keeseville, NY Cl IV-IV+
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9/24/2017 7:15 AM
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1.20
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152
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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A 3 mile paddle with 12 rapids in the first mile of which 4 are class IV, two class IV+ and 2 are class III+.
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| 01367500
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Beerkill / Rondout / Fish Kill
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9/24/2017 7:45 AM
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8.87
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91.5
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View
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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RONDOUT Gauge Used for the following:
Beerkill Creek (Ellenville, NY) : Class IV-V(6)
AW says its good to Drive to the put in when the level gets to 12.5 feet.
Rondout River (Rosendale, NY): Class III-V(V+)
10.2' = Low, 17' = Max
Between 10.2' and 10.8' is best for park and play at Eye Ripper.
Fish Kill (Beacon, NY): Class II-IV
Gauge should be over 10'
Several park and huck and park and play options.
See p. 267 in Dennis Squires Vol 2 book for more info.
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| 03070500
|
Big Sandy Creek, Rockville, WV (III-IV) (V)
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9/24/2017 8:00 AM
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3.38
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26.6
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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Upper Big Sandy Creek, Class 3-4, 5.8 miles
Minimum Flow 6 ft up to 7.5 ft
------------------------------------------
LOWER BIG SANDY CREEK class 4 to 5.1 (6?), 5.3 miles
Minimum Flow 5.4 up to 8.0
18' wonder falls (4), Big Splat (6).
Some say it is runable down to 5.2.
Once the LBS gets to 8.0ft look for fikes and other creeks to be up.
6'8" is the highest I've run the LBS and it was my first time. I found this to be my favorite level to date.
Lower Big Sandy is one of my favorite runs. Usually when the LBS is running I do it early and follow it up with a quick run of the Top Yough late in the day. **OR** run a second LBS Run...I've run the second run as fast as 59 minutes at 6ft on the gauge.
Since I don't run Big Splat and I find 18'-20' waterfalls like Wonderfalls are pretty straight forward at normal flows, I consider my runs on the LBS to be slightly easier than the Upper/Top Yough, But you must not blunder over Big Splat on river right. That would be a terminal screw up. Maybe 1 out of 10 would survive it. If you see some huge logs pinned in rocks open your eyes and don't be distracted see the house sized boulder.
The house sized boulder (left of center 20 yards up stream of Big Splat's main hazard) it's out of place compared with the size of the rest of the boulders. Don't be confused the Big Splat rapid starts 20 yards before the house sized boulder as you can get pulled into it. The Boulder marks the needed river left hugging line and to get out to scout the big drop. Lines to the right of the house sized boulder are very dicey going over a ledge pour over. To get endered in the pour over or swim would create immediate life threatening pressure. Hopefully a quick roll in the fast moving aerated flow is in the cards as a class 5.1 critical move is only 10 yards away. The move requires calm, patients, correct angle, and a strange precise lack of speed. Anything short will likely end up in hanging up the bow and going over the waterfall backwards or sideways. Oh JOY! That's why I don't run it. -Wayne
Really enjoyable camping is had at Teeters Campground in Albright, WV.
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| 01399500
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Black River, Pottersville NJ Cl III (IV)
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9/24/2017 7:15 AM
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1.54
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13.4
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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Also known as the Lamington River
Gauge info from Steve Strange's AW page on the Lamington.
2.4 Minimal Low water run (ELF)
2.5-3.0 Optimal paddling flow
3.3 the mini gorges are quite a handful Class 4 skill very useful.
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| 04260500
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Black River, Watertown, NY CL III-IV
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9/24/2017 7:30 AM
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2.94
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1410
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View
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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Min flow = 1000cfs Max flow = 6000cfs
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| 03066000
|
Blackwater, Davis, WV Cl IV-V+
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9/24/2017 7:30 AM
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1.43
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20.9
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63.9
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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Upper Blackwater Class 5+, 2.5 miles
Davis, West Va
Gauges:
Min - 150 cfs
Max - 400 cfs
1st timer level - 250 cfs
Blackwater Falls State Park to confluence with North fork of the Blackwater
========================================
Lower Blackwater Class 4(5), 7 miles
Confluence of Upper B and North Fork Blackwater to Hendricks, West Va.
Gauge:
Min - 225 cfs
Max - 475 cfs
Combine with Upper or North Fork of the Blackwater.
First few rapid are very Upper B in seriousness.
========================================
North Fork of the Blackwater, Class 5+, 2.5 miles
Douglas, West Va.
Gauge:
Min - 400+ cfs Blackwater gauge
Douglas Falls to Upper Blackwater confluence
Harder than the Upper Blackwater.
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| 04254500
|
Bottom Moose River, McKeever, NY Cl V
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9/24/2017 7:30 AM
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2.15
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View
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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LOWER MOOSE
BOTTOM MOOSE Class 5, serious big water run regardless of water level.
Gauge does not represent all tributaries to Bottom Moose run.
Dam just above Agers Falls may or may not be dumping 1300 CFS.
2.5 Minimum Level
3.0 feet is generally a good conservative fun level. Alpine line at Crystal usually running.
The Boof is too shallow at Knifes Edge generally.
4.0 Big Water Serious Fun
5.0-5.5 ft High Level for a most demanding run.
Technical bottom moose info from an EXPERT LOCAL Dealing with the Utility:
the license agreement for release days calls for whatever flow is coming down the river to spill over the dam at agers up to a maximum of 4'.
however--over the years, i've found that flows over 3.2' or so on the stretch between agers and crystal to be very beefy and problematic for paddlers unfamilar with the run. consequently--when the river is running high (whether it's the spring or fall), i've asked the folks at the dam not to release the entire flow but try to keep it in that managable range under 3.5'.
sometimes this results in flows that i find a little too low. that's because in order to keep the turbines running, the dam keepers need to run a minimum flow through the tube. so if the gauge is at 3.6' and they run their minimum flow--the actual amount of water still in the river is probably under 3'.
most folks don't even realize that they're boating on a level that has been kept artificially low. the fact that you've felt comfortable on that stretch tells me that we've probably identified a good, average flow to try to hit.
this is great when the river is between 4'-5'. the upper half is much more fun but you can still run the normal lines on the bottom.
when the river hits 5'--i don't have them release any water. they can run the project at 100% and the amount of water is still more than sufficient. however--when the river gets around 5.5', the amount that spills even with the turbines spinning flat out is pretty imposing.
i've run the second half of the bottom with a full release and the river flowing close to 6'. we had a great time--but then, i've run the bottom more than 200 times. i don;t think most folks would prefer the real elevated levels. and until i hear a general consensus for higher and more difficult levels--i'll probably keep this procedure in place.
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| 01440400
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Brodhead Creek, Analomink, Pa (III-IV)
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9/24/2017 7:15 AM
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1.65
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22.7
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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BRODHEAD Class 3-4
UPPER - Canadensis to Miracle Mile. 6 longterm river wide strainers to portage in calm areas.
But has a few rapids better than the lower section.
MIRACLE MILE, Take out Alpine Mtn Parking or by river gauge.
2.5 Minimum scrapy
3.0- 4.5 Normal Good Run
4.5- 6.0 Some holes surfed at lower levels recycle you without mercy (or air) at the high end. Careful.
6.0+ Feet Unknown but I'm sure its been done.
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| 03079000
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Casselman River at Markleton, PA
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7/1/2016 7:30 AM
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1.38
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176
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69.1
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Weather
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Map
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| 02176930
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Chattooga River at Burrels Ford, GA
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7/1/2016 8:00 AM
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0.78
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58
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69.3
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Weather
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Map
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| 03070260
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Cheat River, Albright, Wv III-IV
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9/24/2017 7:45 AM
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9.74
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169
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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CHEAT CANYON, WV, Class 3-4, 10.5 miles
Paddlers go by the visual gauge on the bridge in Albright, WV.
--------------------------
There is a good bridge/internet gauge converter at AW, but the formula is about:
Albright Bridge = (USGS Albright Gauge) - 10.06'
--------------------------
1.0 ft Bridge gauge - Really low. Lots of Flat water, interesting creeky moves, Coliseum is surfable at this level. Over all its a class 3 run with High Falls being a trashy class 4 rapid.
2ft to 3ft Bridge Gauge- Standard Run
3.5ft Bridge Gauge - A lot of Catch on the fly surf waves start openning up, but its getting pushy.
4.0 ft Bridge Gauge - Serious Big Water Most paddlers find something else better to paddle that doesn't normally run. Check the Upper Big Sandy or the Cheat Narrows section.
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| 01085000
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Contoocook, Henniker, NH Cl III-IV
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9/24/2017 7:30 AM
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4.88
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104
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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Min level is 6.5, between 8 & 9.5 ft this is a strong class IV run.
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| 07340300
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Cossatot River, Vandervoort, AR Cl II-IV
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9/24/2017 8:00 AM
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1.81
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11.4
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77.7
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Weather
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Map
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| 03187500
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Cranberry River, Richwood, WV Cl III-IV
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9/24/2017 7:30 AM
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1.79
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7.88
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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Middle Cranberry Class 3-4, 6 miles
Near Richwood, WV
Gauge:
Min - 260 cfs/3.5 feet
Max - 1400 cfs/5.5 feet
will drop from 1000 cfs to 475 cfs in 24 hrs.
Put In: Cranberry Campground on FR 76
Take Out: Big Rock Campground on FR 76 North of Richwood, WV
Upper Yough type character.
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| 01375000
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Croton River, NY, Class II-III
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9/24/2017 7:45 AM
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1.82
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92.9
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|
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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The Croton is a short (perhaps two miles), wide, mostly class 2 moving water river, sprinkled with class 2+ and 3 features. Rapids are shallow and bumpy.
2.4 - 2.9 feet: Low level run with little play. Rock slide is not runnable. Play wave under the metal bridge is shallow, but will hold surfer. Island rapid is weak, shallow, and very bumpy.
3.0 - 3.5 feet: Optimal level for play. Lots of squirt lines, rock slide is runnable over 3.2, and river-wide play wave under the metal bridge is great for surfing and enders. The last rapid (“Island Rapid”) becomes runnable at 3.0
3.6 - 5.4 feet: The surf wave and most of the playful eddy lines are washed out.
This river has construction material and pinning rocks. It is highly recommended that it be run with someone who knows it well for your first run.
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| 01168500
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Deerfield River at Charlemont, MA Class II
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9/24/2017 7:30 AM
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1.90
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181
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Weather
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Map
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| 01334000
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Deerfield River West Br, Vt (V)
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9/24/2017 7:15 AM
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1.50
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64.5
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View
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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West Branch Deerfield River, Vt Class 5
About 3.5 miles long
Reedsboro Falls VT, to Reedsboro Vt
Only 4 miles north of the Dryway Putin in Mass.
This is a Jewel of a creek which will challenge the best of boaters. Take care. Huge Sieves are present in rapids like Tunnel Vision.
This gauge is very good being just on the other side of the mountain from the West Branch.
The following are guidelines that are good during the spring or during a huge storm. In the dryness of summer you might want to add 1 to the internet gauges reading below before you drive all that way as the levels will crash very fast. For example 2=Low would be 3=Low, Remember this USGS gauge is not actually on the West Branch.
USGS INTERNET Gauge
2=Low
3=Medium
4=High
Visual Rock Gauge
3-5 = Medium
Be smart and scout the creek dry before or after a dryway run to lay the ground work for a safe West Branch run.
Wayne Gman (7-2008)
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| 01434000
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Delaware River at Port Jervis NY
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9/24/2017 7:30 AM
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2.76
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2000
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View
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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Use this gauge to judge a paddle from just above Staircase Rapids down to the Mongaup, Sparrow Bush or Matamoris, Pa.
Very low, with little wave action, many exposed rocks. = 1700cfs
Min for class II waves = 2500cfs
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| 01463500
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Delaware River, Trenton, NJ (Wing Dam)
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9/24/2017 7:15 AM
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8.16
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3320
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73.2
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View
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Weather
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Map
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| 01362500
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Esopus Creek, Phoenicia, NY Cl II-III
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9/24/2017 8:00 AM
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4.18
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298
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65.7
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View
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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Min Flow 5 ft, max 8ft
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| 01185500
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Farmington River, New Boston Ma
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9/24/2017 7:30 AM
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2.19
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15.9
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View
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Weather
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Map
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| 01189995
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Farmington River, Tariffville, CT II-III
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9/24/2017 7:15 AM
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1.04
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254
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69.8
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View
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Weather
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Map
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| 04242500
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Fish Creek, Talberg NY Cl III-IV
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9/24/2017 8:00 AM
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2.67
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79.9
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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Also known as the East Branch Fish Creek in Taberg NY
This is preliminary 2nd hand info copied from NPMB on this brand new gauge so take it with a grain of salt.
Painted Bridge Gage: 1.5 Low (Class 3), 3 Med (Class 3+), 4.5 High (Class 4)
USGS Gage: 3.5 Low (Class 3), 5 Med (Class 3+), 6.5 High (Class 4)
My take on the fish is that it is one of the best runs in NY with high vertical cliffs. Tall Waterfalls crashing in on the sides when you catch it freshly running for unusual beauty.
The rub is that when the flows on this creek get up to 5+ (USGS) chasing swimmers, boats and paddles gets very difficult. Reportedly more boats get lost on this creak than any other. Sometimes blank walls don't give you a friendly spot to get out quickly. That said, its not an overly dangerous run and is the best play river around except for the New River dries and minibus on the Ottawa. Go get it! (wg -11/2008)
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| 03189600
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Gauley River, Summersville, WV IV-V+
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9/24/2017 7:45 AM
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10.95
|
|
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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UPPER GAULEY Class 4-5, 10.3 miles
Summersville, WV
Numerous sieves and undercuts.
Serious Big Water Run, Very long swim potential.
--------------------------
Low water Creek runs down to 150 CFS, Mandatory Portage of Iron Ring. Low water runs greatly increase pinning and sieve potential.
400 CFS Minimum as per AW.
1000-1500 CFS higher sieve hazard.
2800 CFS - Normal Fall Dam Release Level for 5 wks.
5000 CFS - American Whitewater Max level.
Gauley dam releases are from the 2nd weekend of Sept to mid October.
The 3rd week is usually the Gauley Fest.
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| 04223000
|
Genesee River Letchworth St Pk, NY Cl II-III
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9/24/2017 8:00 AM
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8.43
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169
|
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View
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
|
Genesee River Clas II-III
Min - 9.0 feet Class 2 (500 cfs)
10.5 feet Class 3 Good Surfs
Max -14.0 feet Class 3+ Park closes river to kayaking
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| 01200500
|
Housatonic River, Bulls Bridge, Ct. Cl IV(V)
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9/24/2017 8:00 AM
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1.78
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309
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View
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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Upstream of the bridge = Class V; Stairway to Hell (20' drop) & Threshhold (30' drop). Below the bridge = Class IV; the Flume (7'drop), S-Turn, & Pencil Sharpener.
Stay away from Dead Horse Falls (cl VI!)
Min flow 1800cfs.
Correlation gauge at http://www.bullsbridge.info/ shows estimated level on painted rock at put-in and is generally more reliable than any individual gauge.
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| 01315500
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Hudson River at North Creek NY
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9/24/2017 7:15 AM
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2.77
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386
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Weather
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Map
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| 04256000
|
Independence River, Donnattsburg, NY Cl IV-V
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9/24/2017 7:30 AM
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3.41
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35.6
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|
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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Independence River Class 4-5, NY
The class 3 section at the beginning is an awesome LONG set of off set holes and blocks to dodge.
The last .25 miles is a spectacular slide. The river right channel is serious and safety must be set (I'd run it below 450 cfs). The center slide is the normal line around 400 cfs. At 400 and under the Left line gets thin and unpadded letting you get real close to a protruding block at head height. The Left line is the preferred when the CFS gets big on the Indy. Above 450 more paddlers will 1st choose the left line because it is most accessible for running safety. It is also padding out making the protruding block less an issue. At 660 cfs, I found the left line to be relatively easy and the bend with the protruding head high rock didn't seems to be nearly the issue it was at low water. The huge pillow on the left wall was super soft and didn't throw Eric or myself.
The crux of the slide is the entry through the dam shoot where your line determines a right or center run at the top of the slide.
This is a very photo friendly spot good for a picnic and for non paddling friends to watch what we do. Obviously the .25 mile slide is very walkable for laps or to skip.
-----------------------------
OTTER CREEK:
If the water comes up quickly and you get on it within 24 hours make sure you 1st see if the Otter is running just 10 minutes away. The Otter can drop to unrunable levels if you choose to do the Indy first. If the Otter's take out just looks like you can hardly get down the creek then top should be running at an easier level. If if looks big at the take out, SMILE the eagle's talons flume might be running. This flume is on the order of the Eagle section of the beaver but about 3 times as long as the bigger slide of the beaver.
Enjoy, be safe and leave the small playboats at home for these objectives - Wayne
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| 01396500
|
Ken Lockwood Gorge, Califon, NJ Cl III (III+)
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9/24/2017 7:45 AM
|
5.77
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27.6
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|
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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Ken Lockwood Gorge,
Class 3-4
AW's pages say Class 3-4 but I've never seen any feature above class 3+.
Nice intro to creeking run.
Novice paddlers beware, there are several long-term resident strainers to negociate.
Scraping Creek Run 6.5 to 6.6, Gotta want it bad.
Normal Creek Run 6.7 to 9 feet, Much better above 7 feet.
Most Challenging Flush 9.0+ (class 4 ability helpful)
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| 01432110
|
Lackawaxen River at Rowland, PA
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9/24/2017 8:00 AM
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5.13
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1020
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66.2
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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LACKAWAXEN Class 2-3 (Good Novice River)
Lackawaxen, PA
* The Lackawaxen is typically run when there is a recreational release or power generation at the dam a few miles upstream. The power company posts their *expected* generating schedule here:
http://www1.pplweb.com/ilwpk/cgi-bin/expected_generation.pl The schedule is also availably by phone at 1-800-807-2474. The water reaches the put in about an hour after the release starts, so plan accordingly, and don't fret if you see the stream bed dry on your drive to the put in. It takes about 4 hours for the water to get from the put in to the Delaware.
It's important to note that the amount listed isn't the actual flow rate. The amount they list is a 24 hour average. It's based on the total volume released over a 24 hour period, but the releases typically last between 8 and 16 hours. This sounds confusing, but it's fairly easy to figure out the actual flow rate. Just multiply the listed amount by 24 and divide by the duration of the release in hours. As an example, a recent release was listed as running from 7AM to 11PM with an average rate of 512cfs. That's a 16 hour release, so we multiply 512 by 24 and divide by 16, which tells us the flow rate during the release should be about 768cfs.
* It is important to note that just because they expect to generate power doesn't mean they will definitely generate power. The schedule is posted a few days in advance and is updated daily. Don't drive without checking first, because the schedule posted two or three days ago may have changed.
* In 2007 the USGS added a guage on the bridge in Rowland, about midway between the put in and takeout. You can check that guage here: http://tinyurl.com/35lw54 The current guage reading may be useful during periods of natural flow, but by the time a release reaches it you need to be on the river, not checking guages and making plans. The guage is useful for checking to see what's been happening over the last couple of days. It will show whether or not the power company actually released water, and it will show the actual flow rate. The guage is perhaps an hour downstream of the put in and two hours below the powerplant. The guage also lists the water temperature, which may be useful for planning, especially early and late in the season.
* The first thing that comes to mind with the Lackawaxen is how fast its flat water moves. It will catch novice paddlers off guard immediately for a quick brace, roll or swim.
* 400 CFS Minimum Flow suggested by locals.
* 500-1500 CFS - Generally accepted good level. 6-8 good wave trains, Eddies and ferries.
* 2500+ CFS - Class 3, Fast moving mostly flat water and longer swim potential. Good river reading required to avoid a trashing in the few remaining river features.
* 10 mile run
***THE THRESHMAN PUBLIC ACCESS IS CLOSED***
NO NEW PUTIN HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED YET
* PUT IN:Threshman River rides and boat launch facility is the only legal put in. Euell charges $5 put in fee, call for launch info 570-226-3921. Euell is extremely helpful and willing to take calls to help you get on the river at a good level. Threshman's put in is a 9 mile drive along river left, straight up from the Zane Grey Access on the Delaware River. There is a Google Map showing the shuttle route here: http://tinyurl.com/6pmwlq You can drag the arrows to find the route from elsewhere, too.
*The Lackawaxen is a great river for the class 2 paddler to encounter some bigger water push without many technical or tight moves in a rapid. Running this river before the Mongaup or Lehigh is a nice gradual novice progression. Wide open lines define this run which resembles a smaller version of the Delaware but flows MUCH more quickly.
|
| 01449000
|
Lehigh River at Lehighton, PA
|
9/24/2017 7:30 AM
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2.49
|
407
|
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View
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
|
If you are looking to paddle around Lehighton you can use this gauge to determine the flow.
The real value of this gauge is its use in an equation to determine how much water is flowing into the Lehigh VIA the flashy class 4,5 creeks between the Dam and Lehighton. See the details on the Francis E. Walter Dam Gauge listed above. -Wayne
|
| 01447800
|
Lehigh River, White Haven Pa Cl II-III
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9/24/2017 7:30 AM
|
3.26
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182
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66.4
|
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
|
LEHIGH Class 2-3 (3 wanna be) AKA KNEE-High
White Haven to Rockport 9 miles
300+ CFS ELF Run (EXTREMELY LOW FLOW) Doable Scrape fest but you gotta want it bad.
400 CFS Rafts start running.
500 CFS Generaly Excepted Good Low Level for NOVICE fun.
750 CFS Dam Release Level
1000 CFS The flat water gets better.
2000+ CFS, Class 3, Bring a longer boat for surfs.
-------------------------------
Rockport to Glen 0noko Class 2-3 Better Rapids than upper section.
500 CFS Runs will leave your back longing for the end.
1000-2000 CFS Much better to run this long section of 12-ish miles.
Shuttle from hell don't meet at White Haven and decide to do the lower section.
-------------------------------
The White Haven section of the Lehigh is often a new whitewater paddler's first whitewater river.
===========================================
CLASS 5 CREEKING NOTE:
(Lehighton gauge CFS) - (Walter Dam CFS) = CREEKING WATER.
.
If this difference is around 2,000 something should be running. It all depends on how long ago the rains stopped. The 2,000 figure is not the whole ball game.
.
You get a sense of the amount of water the bigger Steep creeks are dumping into the Lehigh. Runs like Stoney, Hazel/Black and Mud Run are serious CL 4-5 creeks. Mud run at high water is a drowning machine, the big drop portage can take 45 minutes in the winter or 5 minutes if the ground is dry and clear. Teams of experts suggested. The East side tribs have been known to be dry when the West are flowing and the opposite as well...its the normal creeking crap shoot. I suggest Mud run at 4.1-4.3. If its too high just wait a couple hours if its clear.
|
| 02138500
|
LINVILLE GORGE, NC
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9/24/2017 7:45 AM
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1.32
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119
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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Serious Class 5
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| 01439590
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Little Bush Kill at Edgemere, PA
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9/24/2017 7:45 AM
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4.07
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3.30
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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This gauge goes green at 50 cfs.
This gauge is used for a load of class 4+ to 5+ creeking. If you are an expert you'll know how to use this data.
|
| 02399200
|
Little River Canyon, Alabama IV-IV+ (V)
|
9/24/2017 7:00 AM
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4.34
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75.8
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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LITTLE RIVER (canyon),Alabama Class 4+ (5)
600 CFS - Runable but rapids are steep & channelled
1000 CFS - Nice filled in water level
1500 CFS - Upper end of a well qualified 1st timers level.
2000 CFS - Significant big water class 5 skill required.
Hands down my favorite river of all East Coast rivers. The remote canyon, the steep walls the awesome van to house size boulders that congest this route make for a wonderful interesting run.
The water is very clear, clean and drinkable. -wg
If you have the ability to run the Upper Gauley or upper yough WELL your skills should be reasonably matched for the Little river. Having a local in your group should be a goal or expect some serious time going into scouting just like if you wanted to hike to scout Lost Paddle on the Upper Gauley among the huge boulders difficult to climb. At 1000 cfs on a clear day there was about 30 paddlers on the Little. Hooking up with locals seemed to be easy. But I already had a 3 pro's to follow lines.
The beauty of doing this run is that it is just so sustained with more and more and more class 4-4+ rapids coming at you. Start with the Suicide section followed by the upper 2 and then finish at the campground. In my mind runs like the Upper gauley are great but are not as awesome as this River. The Little has the beauty and big feel of the Upper G but is a bit more technical than the Upper Yough.
I never thought I would dream of going to Alabama but I do. This trip would be an Awesome overnight kayak trip.
This reach drops about 200 cfs a day or 2 inches on the local bridge gauge each day. AW has good river level info.
|
| 01460880
|
Lock & NJ creeks (III-IV), Geddes (IV)
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12/6/2016 6:30 AM
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1.97
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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LOCKATONG CREEK, Class 3-4, Aprox 4 miles
Idell, NJ
Putin: Idell stone bridge
Take out: Steel Bridge at Raven Rock Rd.
This gauge measures flow on the Lock and can be used to determine if the Wick and Geddes are likely flowing.
Visual USGS Gauge: Raven Rock bridge gauge should be at least 4.25 ft
WICKECHEOKE Creek, Class 3-4, Aprox 5-8 miles
Put in: Croton, Nj
Put in: Locktown, Nj (most popular)
Take out: Rosemont-Sergeantsville Rd covered bridge (with visual gauge).
Take out: Stockton Old Mill, Rt 29
Gauge: Visual gauge at the covered Bridge should at least be (to be determined) Ft.
GEDDES CREEK, Class 4, Aprox 2 miles
Point Pleasant,Pa
Put in: Groveland Rd, 2 miles run
Put in: Tollgate Rd, 1 mile run
Take out: Confluence with the Tohickon.
Natural stone wall gauge in the corner just 20 ft upstream of Tohickon Hill Rd bridge. Geddes flows at 6.5 blocks exposed. At LESS THAN 6 blocks exposed class 5 skill is mandatory. I've run it at 4.75 blocks exposed and it was solid class 5+ never to be repeated. I would not suggest higher than 6 blocks exposed.
==============================================
When the Lock flows head to the Wick first to see if this more flashy creek is running. The Lock holds water better than the Wick. Under normal heavy rains (2") these creeks usually only run for the same day as it rains giving you a 2-12 hour window...Maybe. If it is STILL raining and the Lock is running, Geddis (IV) in Point Pleasant, PA by the Tohickon very likely might be running.
LOCKATONG DETAILS
=================
Flow: The gauge is fairly new to our use but the initial feeling is that around 4.25 feet the Lock starts to flow.
Character: Among best class 4 in NJ and a gauge to boot! 5-10 ft drops in a narrow creek.
Hazards: After my first run I heard rumors of shallow ledges at the base of the large natural 10' drop and I also heard about steel at the base of the 10' broken dam. This caused me to grab my tape measure and scout the Lock's dry creek bed in August 2004.
The scout revealed that the 10 foot broken dam is very shallow as you can readily read in your run. There isn't much of a hidden sweet spot that you just hope is in there. I ran it once, piton free, painless and the second time hurt like hell. Boaters run it regularly in all sorts of boats at flows above 8 feet (painted bridge gauge not USGS). I'm guessing 8 feet painted gauge *MIGHT* be around 5.5 on the USGS gauge.
The Scout of the 2nd 10 footer (natural drop), revealed the rumored ledge at the base of the right side of the falls was in deed serious and unique. The Ledge extends a whopping 14 feet from river right bank. My preferred line is to run about 17 feet off the river right bank. Its just about the center of the whole creek. I angle slightly left and boof the left most corner that defines the left end of the right half of the falls. I figure I miss the end of the 14' ledge by just a couple feet each time. Tuck the right elbow in. The left half of the drop is ugly, collects wood and has an unfriendly looking U shape notch. Don't blunder over the left side.
If Portaging this natural 10 footer is desired then do so on the Right.
The rumor of Steel in the broken dam is what really spurred me to hike the dry creek bed. I found a 5 inch thick piece that was around 4 feet long as I recall. Its position in Aug 2004 was such that even if you pitoned I doubt if anything more than your tail might graze it. But the dam continues to deteriorate and caution is advised.
In terms of relative difficulty most believe the Wick is easier, than the Lock and the Bobsled ride of Geddes is more serious. Just being able to do the Lock does not mean you are ready for Geddes.
|
| 01552000
|
Loyalsock Creek at Loyalsockville, PA
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9/24/2017 7:30 AM
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0.98
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100
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View
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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Loyalsock, 13 miles class 2-3 with a singular feature that AW lists as a class 4, "haystack".
Personally I question the class 4 label but I'm sure it feels like it if you swim at medium to high water. Regardless of classification, haystack is a fairly easy spot to set safety so do so and push your limits. Personally I think this large creek is a good objective for those in the Lower Yough ability level willing to walk haystack if it looks a bit too much. This is a playboat friendly creek though a creeker will make haystack that much more easy. I'd count this one in for those working class 3 looking to get to class 4....I'm not experienced in high water at the loyalsock but I'm sure it gets juicy fun once you get to 6 feet+.
Take note that this usgs gauge is 35 miles downstream it takes a long time for water to travel that long from the put in. You have to figure out if the water has peaked and if it is still coming down or if it is still going up. If it reads 6 feet and the storm is still dumping, levels will be rising towards 7 feet. If its 6 feet and the storm ended yesterday then its going to be lower at the put in than the USGS reading. Look at the water curve and carry it out to guess how low it will be by the time you get to the put in.
All in all, at medium flow this is a great creek for class 2+ to 3 boaters with a haystacks portage. Those walking will likely do good to practice a rope throw there if needed.
-waynegman 1-2-2008
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| 03190400
|
Meadow River, Mt Lookout, WV (IV-V+)
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11/23/2013 1:30 PM
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4.67
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578
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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Middle Meadow Class 3-4, 5 miles, Nallen, WV
Min 400 cfs
Max 2000 cfs
Nallen to Rt 19 bridge
All rocks are undercut.
===========================================
LOWER MEADOW Class 5(6)
Rte 19 Bridge to the Gauley River
Gauge:
Min 500
Max 1200
|
| 04280450
|
Mettawee River, Middle Granville, NY Cl IV-V
|
9/24/2017 7:15 AM
|
3.19
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45.4
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View
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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Mettawee River, Truthville,NY Class 4-5
AW says to run this from 3.9-5 ft.
This was my first class 5. The 1st drop is exellent! I loved every drop on this run till a boater died on the second drop doing my same line. Unless you know exactly where the hidden sieve is don't run the 2nd drop. Everything is easily walkable.
This runs quite often and for long periods of time.
|
| 03052000
|
MIDDLE FORK RIVER to Tygart, at AUDRA, WV
|
9/24/2017 7:30 AM
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1.44
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5.45
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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Middle Fork River Cl 1-3, 5 miles
Laurel confluence to Adura State Park
Gauge:
Min - 3.2ft
Max - 6.0ft
=============================================
Middle Fork River Cl 3-4,Audra, West Va.
6 Miles - class 5 rapid on the Tygart.
Gauge:
Min 3.2ft (tygart will flow well at this level)
Max 5 ft
Adura State Park to Tygart confluence 2.8 miles
then another 3.8 on the Tygart to the Buckhannon confluence where a Class 5 rapid is on this section of the Tygart.
This is a great run. The Middle Fork is easier class 4 down to the Tygart and then Class 3-5 on the Tygart down to Buckhannon take out.
My 4.1 run was really enjoyable.
-wayne
|
| 01164000
|
Millers River, South Royalson, Ma II-III
|
9/24/2017 7:30 AM
|
3.86
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56.1
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|
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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7 miles of class II-III rapids at 6.0 ft.
Min 5.0 ft, at 7.0 ft this run becomes class III
|
| 01357500
|
Mohawk River AT Cohoes NY
|
9/24/2017 8:00 AM
|
8.54
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1530
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|
|
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Weather
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Map
|
|
|
| 01433500
|
Mongaup River, Glen Spey, NY CII+
|
7/1/2016 8:15 AM
|
1.22
|
99
|
60.6
|
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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Each turbine release = 435 cfs so a 2 turbine release = 870 cfs plus natrual flow.
Most often a single turbine release results in a technical paddle;that is lots of rocks just under the surface that you need to avoid. In addition this level is often considered more playful than a double turbine release meaning there are more waves to surf. Two turbines pushes the main rapids on this river very close to class III. Be prepared for big holes, big waves and long stretches of continuous rapids close to the end of the paddle. A failed roll at this level often means a very long swim. If you swim do not let go of your paddle since it will get lost.
1300 cfs = Most play features washed out including those that can be caught on the fly. Big waves are plentiful and most rocks are well covered.
|
| 01387420
|
Moonda Creek NY Cl III-IV
|
9/24/2017 7:15 AM
|
2.20
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12.5
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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The Roundout gauge is is the best way to estimate if the Moodna Creek, NY is runable. This is a 6 mile, class II-IV run.
Min flow is 3.9ft. Put in, take Rt 32 to a five corner intersection, make a right on Rte 94 East at next traffic lite make right onto Rte 74, drive over the Moodna and then park on the left.
|
| 07339000
|
Mountain Fork River, Eagletown, OK Cl II-II+
|
7/1/2016 8:30 AM
|
2.27
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636
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63.1
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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3 miles of dam controlled class II-II+ whitewater with four rapids. Runs all summer due to dam releases to drive turbines used to generate electric
|
| 01577500
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Muddy Creek at Castle Fin, PA
|
7/1/2016 8:30 AM
|
3.22
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83
|
|
|
|
Weather
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Map
|
|
|
| 01595500
|
N Branch Potomac River, Kitzmiller, MD (III-IV)
|
9/24/2017 7:15 AM
|
2.06
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74.3
|
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View
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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NORTH BRANCH POTOMAC class 3-4, Kitzmiller, Md
FAMED KITZMILLER SECTION!
ELF = 4.0 ft Extremely low flow some say runable.
Min = 4.4 ft Low ok run.
Min = 4.8 ft Many consider the lowest fun level. This is the level I did it for lots of fun.
Good 5.5 ft Reported More continuous but
easier than the Lower Gauley.
Max = 7.0 ft
LOWER STONEY:
The best day is giving up the first couple miles of the Kitzmiller section if the Lower Stoney is running. This tighter more technical run is a great option to grab both runs with one shuttle. Stoney is more busy and the Potomac has bigger drops. 17 miles of paddling we did in about 3.5 hours.
|
| 01121000
|
Natchaung River, Diana's Pool, Ct.
|
9/24/2017 7:15 AM
|
0.92
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2.96
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|
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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Use the Mt Hope gauge for the Natchaung at Diana's Pool in Ct. This run is about 1 mile long and can be done many times in a day. It offers class II-IV pool drop paddling. Put in is Route 98 to a right onto England
Road then go over the bridge. The entire river can be walked on the river left bank.
Min level = 2.2 ft to a max of 5.0 ft
|
| 01538000
|
Nescopeck Creek, Drums, Pa
|
9/24/2017 7:30 AM
|
1.14
|
10.7
|
|
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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Use this gauge for the Nescopeck Creek
Class 2+,(3) reliably runs when this gauge reads at least 80 CFS.
NESCOPECK, Class 2+ (3)
Nescopeck, PA (20 min from White Haven, PA)
This is a good run for novices with a good intermediate group. Its nice to try and get on this when it comes up and then fall back to the Lehigh if it happens to be too low. I prefer this run to the Mongaup and Lehigh release levels. The Nescopeck offers creekish feel with some reasonable manageable push for most advanced novices. The jewel of the run is the class 3 Chicken Hole at Eagle Rock. This hole will satisfy the rodeo clowns in your paddling party. Plan on a good hour lunch to watch whats going on there. Unfortunately there is not much after the hole so pump out while you are there.
The most fun I had there was seeing how many clowns can surf this small hole....we got to 4 before a massive flip. What followed redefined combat roll. -Wayne
|
| 01436690
|
Neversink River, Bridgeville, NY
|
9/24/2017 7:30 AM
|
4.78
|
125
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60.4
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View
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|
Weather
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Map
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|
|
| 03185400
|
New River, Thurmond, WV CL III-IV-V
|
9/24/2017 7:45 AM
|
2.51
|
1660
|
|
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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NEW RIVER GORGE, Class 3-4+ (5), 6.5 Miles
Going by Thurmond gauge:
2.00 - 4.26, class 3
4.26 - 5.76, class 3/4
5.76 - 7.26, class 4
7.26 and higher, class 5 skill helpful.
.
Going by the Fayetteville gauge as you will likely when you're local:
-2' to 1', class 3
1' to 3', class 3/4
3' to 5', class 4 (expect waves 10+ feet high depending on river level)
5+ feet the river gets really big and keeps getting bigger.
Around 10 feet expect wave trains of 20 foot waves one after another in a long series of 10 or so.
Its been run by the bold up to about 30-ish feet.
Commercial Rafting stops around 12 feet.
While one might focus on the huge wave trains there are river features which greatly change character and are reported to be most hazardous at the very low levels. Don't snooze.
--------------------------
NEW RIVER DRIES, Class 3-4(5), 6 miles
Hawk Nest Dam to Gauley Bridge, WV
6-9 Feet Fayetteville gauge AW suggested
8-10 Feet,Thurmond gauge AW suggested levels.
This is about 1,400 to 10,000 CFS in the Dries section.
.
If not the best, its among the best play waves in North America. The pros fly in to shoot IR Big Gun footage when the New River Dries gets BIG!, big like up to 70,000 CFS.
.
A hydro project diverts up to 10,000 CFS causing the usually dewatered Dries. So 11,000 CFS indicates at least 1,000 CFS flow on the dries, but sometimes the thirsty hydro project does not divert its full 10,000 CFS capacity. Be ready for extra flow.
|
| 03465500
|
Nolichucky River, Embreeville, Tn
|
9/24/2017 7:30 AM
|
1.34
|
523
|
|
View
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
|
|
8 miles of Class III-IV rapids
|
| 01179500
|
North Branch Westfield River, Ma Class III
|
9/24/2017 7:30 AM
|
2.62
|
39.7
|
|
|
Notes |
Weather
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Map
|
|
5.2 miles of good class I, II & III water. To reach put in take Route 112 toward Knightville, make the last right before 112 goes over the river. Take out is when train tracks are on your left and Route 20 is on your right. Min level is 4.5 ft better to run at 5' and above.
|
| 01382500
|
Pequannock River Butler, NJ
|
9/24/2017 7:20 AM
|
2.14
|
9.68
|
|
View
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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|
Pequannock River (Below Macopin Dam to i-287)
184 CFS is just a bit low and scratchy. Still fun, but pushing it. .
Gertler’s recommendation of about 200 as a minimum is fairly accurate. Except for the dams, I’d keep it at class II or so (harder than Lehigh and easier than lower Mongaup). Lots of continuous rapids.
Parking in the exit ramp from 23 South for Hamburg Turnpike has been blocked off, but there’s a spot you could unload.
South of 23 on Hamburg Turnpike there’s plenty of access. North on 23 means parking along a side road (or in a business) and carrying over 23 but does open up some nice water. North of New City Road is posted.
There are three dams on the run.
Dam 1 at Waterfall Court is boofable (scout!) and an easy portage, Dam #3 at 2nd Street in Butler is easily portaged river right (don't run as there's hidden metal in the spillway), but the deadly middle dam below the retaining walls under the northern of the 2 Main Street bridges should be scouted as to where to get out for the portage during the shuttle from the bridge and/or sidewalk along river right. You want to be sure to get out before you are walled in.
There’s parking at Waterfall Court to run the upper part and off Second Street by the senior center for the lower section.
The normal pullout is out The Glenburg Estate Park on Hamburg Turnpike (694) just north of I-87.
|
| 01440000
|
Pequest River, Buttsville, NJ Cl II
|
9/24/2017 8:00 AM
|
1.87
|
17.5
|
|
View
|
Notes |
Weather
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Map
|
This is the gauge for the Pequest.
Class I-II- except for possibility of strainers.
Min level 2.6, better at 3,
much over that and you can't get under the bridges.
|
| 03460795
|
Pigeon River, Waterville, NC Cl II-III+
|
7/1/2016 8:15 AM
|
4.01
|
163
|
73.2
|
|
Notes |
Weather
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Map
|
|
bare min = 300cfs
ideal 1000cfs
|
| 01031300
|
Piscataquis River at Blanchard, Maine
|
9/24/2017 7:30 AM
|
3.33
|
8.24
|
|
|
Notes |
Weather
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Map
|
|
This Gauge needs to be above 350 cfs for the best Maine Creek Run....Gulf Hagas to be running. Actually I think 500 cfs and trending slightly up is what you want to drive from NJ. -wg
|
| 01387500
|
Popolopen Creek, NY
|
9/24/2017 7:30 AM
|
2.80
|
27.3
|
|
View
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Notes |
Weather
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Map
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Popolopen Creek, Class 5+, Bear Mtn Bridge.
4/18/2007 I ran the Pop at 2 ft on the painted footbridge gauge. This was full on serious. Most walked several drops. Pictures on AW. It is on the same playing field as the Green Narrows, Upper Blackwater and Hornbecks. Enjoy one of the harder runs in the Mid Atlantic and Northeast.
PUT IN: 9w north cross Popolopen,Make immediate left. Mk a left onto mine road at playground. Go till the houses stop and park at the pull out. Hike down a few minutes upstream to the foot bridge start.It should not look crazy here...if it looks bad it will get much more serious in only 100 yards.
TAKE OUT: you can climb out below the last big drop on Left at foot bridge to go to the visitor center or elect to paddle to the hudson and about .5-1.0 miles below Bear Mtn bridge. There is a fishing boat pier accessed by a walkway under the train tracks. There is a large recreation parking lot. If I wanted to do laps of the Pop I'd hike out saving the daylight.
Very Flashy but when it comes up big it can hole water for a couple days
About 0.5 miles upstream of the Bear Mtn Bridge this FULL ON class 4-5 run tumbles steeply down. The Pop is not to be underestimated. It is *not* a playboat run under any low water circumstances.
Flow: This gauge is not on the Pop but near it. The gauge should read 700 cfs minimum in a spike after a rain then the Pop should be running. The gauge was coming down from an 8 inch rain when I ran it at 1500 cfs. This translated to 2ft on the footbridge gauge.
Wood: Be very careful as wood has a way of hiding in the very blind corners of the drops.
Sprint 07 wood was not a big issue but present.
BE VERY WARY OF BIG WATER ON THIS RUN.
My first run saw 2 minor vertical pins before and a short head down pin. A week ago someone had to be pulled off a strainer, yesterday we had a swimmer beaten up by 2 big ledge holes. Scout it all and run satety.
Portaging the dam river Left: boaters can take 2 ways down to the final drops. One is a direct very steep slick mud trial down (due to all the rain) and the other is going down to the final drop just 100 yards downstream from the dam. You can walk back up at the water level instead.
Portaging the Dam on River right is probably best and safest if you don't plan to run the lead into the 30 ft hell hole. Only one boater to my knowledge has run the Hell Hole. Portaging on the Right lets you climb down to the hell hole drop, scout and seal launch into the outflow of the hole for some fun.
|
| 01646500
|
Potomac Rr. Great Falls (Little Falls Pump St)
|
9/24/2017 7:45 AM
|
2.77
|
1770
|
76.8
|
View
|
Notes |
Weather
|
Map
|
Great Falls Of the Potomac at Washington, DC
AW Flow Suggestion: 3.3-3.8
This gauge is set to go green when the Center lines come in as per AW. The thinking is that the Center lines are the "hardest" to get with a small window of favorable flows. Note one inch on the gauge can equate to aprox foot difference in water flow in some slots of the gorge. Center lines rapids include grace under pressure 5.1, ledges 4+ and streamers AKA the fingers 5.0-5.3. Running any center line risks exposure to the likes of Subway (5.3)
AW lists one death of a boater on their 4th lap blowing a roll after Grace and swimming through subway and that was the end. Its also extremely easy to get lost for a couple critical seconds even after scouting, thereby missing the ONLY safe line, so paddle with a great guide.
Personally I'm targeting flows around 3.4-3.5. 3.6 was more than I wanted at the base of Grace.
Carefully scout from the top not just the sexy view from the bottom. It all looks 100% different from the boaters perspective up top.
Wayne Gman - 1/2009
|
| 01176000
|
Quaboag River, W Brimfield, Ma II-IV
|
9/24/2017 7:15 AM
|
2.60
|
34.3
|
|
|
Notes |
Weather
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Map
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5.5 mile paddle with a put in at Lucy Stone park which is about 1/2 mile north of Warren on River Road. Take out when the train tracks are on your right and Route 67 is on your left. A gauge reading of 5.5 makes this a solid class IV with little chance of scouting.
|
| 01193500
|
Roaring Brook, Cold Brook Ct Cl III-IV
|
9/24/2017 7:15 AM
|
2.09
|
13.2
|
64.0
|
|
Notes |
Weather
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Map
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This is the gauge for the Roaring Brook in Ct. This is a class III-IV run with waterfalls and slides. Paddle from Cold Brook to Route 17 in S Glastonbury.
Directions: The takeout is at a parking lot on route 17 just south of the route 160 junction in South Glastonbury. To get to the put-in go north on route 17 and take a right at the light onto Hopewell Street. Angle right onto Cold Brook Rd and park at a dirt parking area just after the road crosses Roaring Brook.
|
| 01550000
|
Rock Run, Lycoming Creek, Ralston, PA Cl V
|
9/24/2017 8:00 AM
|
2.47
|
33.0
|
|
|
Notes |
Weather
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Map
|
Rock Run Creek, Class V, Ralston, Pa
High quality very narrow steep creeking. Need at least 1000 CFS before the drive to Ralston. Some go by 4.5-5.0 ft usgs being the lowest level in a spike of flow. Be very careful about the creek being too high. There are sections that are routinely walked. Its Very continuous in nature. -Wayne
Put In: Go well supported and with someone in the know.
|
| 01380450
|
Rockaway River (Boonton Gorge) IV-V
|
7/1/2016 7:30 AM
|
0.86
|
44
|
|
|
|
Weather
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Map
|
|
|
| 03208500
|
Russell Fork, Haysi, Va Cl II-V+
|
9/24/2017 7:45 AM
|
2.11
|
33.9
|
|
View
|
Notes |
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Actual gauge for Russel Fork!
RUSSELL FORK (upper), 3 miles, Class 2-3+
400 CFS - AW Minimum
1500 CFS - Max suggested level.
600, 800, 1100 CFS - October releases.
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RUSSELL FORK (Lower) 3.8 miles
Class 4-5+
Fist Boulder Class 6 screw up potential
Fatalities: Paddlers have died at every main drop on this Lower Section.
PUT IN: Garden hole in Virgina.
TAKE OUT: Take out Kentucky boarder.
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125 CFS - AW Minimum Flow.
400 great first time level. Tower, Fist, Maze, Triple drop are much more managable.
600 CFS - Hazards like sieves seem the worse at this level.
NON RELEASE FLOW NOTE: The Russell Fork river flows about 200 days a year. To determine if MIN Flow is running you need to add this gauge's CFS to the Pound River Gauge to see if the sum is at least 150 CFS. Just be sure to use the Previous Page button to return to this page after you check the Pound River Gauge
600,800,1100 CFS Dam releases are typical ramping up each weekend of October. During releases it is possible to get low water runs of 400-ish if you put in before the release starts around 9am. 345 CFS was my favorite level out of a 345 CFS and four 1100 CFS runs. All drops had ample runable flow at 345 CFS except that the river right "BOX MOVE" replaces the Climax drop at low levels and it even was just about too dry. I can see myself doing this river at much lower creeky levels still for fun with a climax/box portage. At the biggest dam release flow of 1,100 CFS we still chose to run the "BOX Move" over climax. -wayne
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| 01325000
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Sacandaga River, Lake Luzerne, NY Class II-III
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9/24/2017 7:30 AM
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3.35
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1460
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| 04250200
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Salmon River, Pulaski, NY Cl II-III
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9/24/2017 7:15 AM
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5.78
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409
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3.09 miles of Class I-II-III with tons of play.
Min level is 750 cfs
Release info at: http://www.h2oline.com/default.aspx?pg=si&op=365123
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| 01439500
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Shohola, Hornbecks, Raymonds Kill Creek
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9/24/2017 7:45 AM
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1.37
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35.6
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Use this Bush Kill Gauge to judge if PA's classic class 5 runs of Hornbecks and Raymondskill are running. If you're this good no extra info required.
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Use this gauge for the Shohola.
Shohola, Pa
Normal flow level is 2.5ft to 4.0 ft
When the water level comes up in a big rain event and the Bushkill Gauge gets to 2.5 ft the Shahola runs for several days sometime longer. NOTE: the water level could be below the spillway and it might take several inches of rain AND SWAMP DRAIN TIME for the Dam pool level to rise, spill and then cause the creek to run. Key is how long has it been since regional rains.
The Shahola has a large marshy watershed that takes days to drain. The Dam has a gauge painted on the reservoir side river right bank. I ran the lower section at 4ft (dam gauge) for a very reasonable run, this gauge was at 2.5 that time. An average non stop, boat scouting paddle will take 2 hrs.
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The Upper Gorge Shahola, Class 5
Length: Aprox 500 yards
CLASS: 5 or 5.1?, Many big dawg paddlers are not keen on the gorge's hazards. Remember the huge 1st drop (70ft high blocky slide) is the easiest part of the gorge. The entrapment issues under the bridge and the several must run MEATY ledge holes with enormous backwashes have to be heavily scouted and considered before dropping in. You can't paddle out of the ledge holes in bigger waters...only swim out above crack/sieve undercuts (ugly). Scout from the bridge to the falls on river left. The pourover 100 yards down stream of the bridge should be scouted. Any wood in the gorge could easily be life threatening and unavoidable.
70 foot Slide Notes:
The Left line slide - is the easiest to make and not screw up. The wall that the current pushes you into at the bottom seems not as bad as it looks. I've once pinned up against it and just pushed away at favorable medium flows. To my best knowledge it doesn't seem to be very undercut by experience and reputation.
70 ft slide note:
The Right line - is fairly stout leading to a 20 footer into a deep pool on Right.
70 ft slide Note:
White Room: If you run the center top down to a "calm" mid tier pool, you can drop off and run the white room. This is a very tricky left hooking turn jumping down 5 feet to where the square slab is. If you blow the center line and drop off the front of the whole shelf you will Massively Piton about 20-15 feet at the pool level. You need to hit the inside corner, drop down that 5 feet and work your way under the mini 6ft waterfall curtain. You paddle laterally 15 ft through the white room behind the curtain. You magically appear near (not in) the main left line flow for a smooth exit over the rocks.
LOWER SHAHOLA is a gentle step up from the miracle mile Brodhead but could grow monster teeth in very high water. It has significant but interesting winding channels of flatwater in the middle section. At reasonable high water the many ledge drops create very interesting if not powerful holes which must be read for the weak spot to punch through with strong paddling.
Good Dryway/brodhead levels of skill will take you far on the LOWER. There are tight rapids at the beginning and especially at the end that I personally feel are harder than both the dryway and brodhead. Many of the ledge drops create a blind entry unless you scout or have committed to the drop. Wood regularly hangs up on the lower section. Nuff Said there?
Gauge Reading: if the watershed is full (ie the dam pool is full or recent rain) look for 300-400 cfs spikes over a day's rain. This might be good to get things running again regardeless what the level of the gauge actually reads.
-Wayne
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| 03040000
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Stonycreek River, Ferndale, PA Cl III-IV
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9/24/2017 7:15 AM
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2.37
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116
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Min flow for Stoney is 2.8ft (350fcs) and the max around 6.75. The standard dam release adds 500cfs to the river and most consider 850 cfs total flow for a great paddle where 650cfs is considered the bottom of the fun level.
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All these creeks are in the Somerset, PA regions of the state that many of us travel to for the Lower Yough, but these creeks are closer to Johnstown, PA.
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STONEYCREEK, Class 3-4
Hollsopple, Pa to confluence of Paint creek.
Stoney Festival is usually about the 3rd weekend in April. The Fest Release adds 300 CFS to the current flow on the stoney.
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PAINT, Class 5
Paint, PA to confluence of Stoneycreek.
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DARK SHADE, Class 4, 1 mile.
Rockingham, PA to Miller Run Station
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CLEAR SHADE, Class III
Miller Run Station, PA
Crumb Rd to Miller Run station.
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ROARING FORK, Class 4-5, 1.5 miles
Hillsboro, PA
Rt 160 to Hillsboro.
Don't run the 1st 7ft drop 0.3 miles into the run else risk tombstone rock.
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STONEYCREEK CANYON, Class 3-4, 5-6 miles
Mostoller, Pa
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This is nowhere close to the others creeks listed above.
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Put in at covered bridge 3 miles upstream of Mostoller. Take out at Mostoller or at Rt 30.
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| 01570500
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Susquehanna River at Harrisburg, PA
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9/24/2017 7:00 AM
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3.25
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6350
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39.4
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| 01459500
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Tohickon Creek, Pt Pleasant. Pa III
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9/24/2017 7:15 AM
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1.45
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17.7
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TOHICKON, Class 3, 3.8 miles
Point Pleasant, PA
Put In: Ralph Stover State Park Tohickon Bridge.
Take Out: Rt 32 Bridge.
Naturally flows dozens of days each year.
200-300 CFS scrape fest
300-500 Easier Low push
550-800 Normal Conservative Run, Laps around Hat Rock possible.
900-1200 Class 4 skills start helping
1200-1800 The Good Stuff, No Fish or Swim sticky
1800-2,500 Kayak Animals having Fun, the river starts to flush. Midstream boulders under water. Water line into the woods.
5000+ Class V abilities helpful, water line deep into the woods.
10,000 CFS Pyramid Rock under water several monster 8ft surf waves. Take out under water.
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In 75 runs or so I have only seen a dozen swims here. For most 1st timers this creak has a bump up in the consequence factor with the sharp rocks everywhere in fairly shallow water. Bring a solid roll or risk a real bloody beating by the Tohickon's long continuous Race Course Rapid.
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This is often the first gauge that paddlers moving into solid class 3 start to watch when learning to chase the rain. It marks a time when intermediates start to mentally shift gears from planning their paddling trips off the KCCNY Trip Schedule to watching gauges and opportunistically jumping on rivers.
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The flashy level of the Toe can generally lose 50% of its flow in a 24 hour period. To successfully get on the Toe, one needs to go to the gauge and click on the CFS Graph. From this you can carry the curve out to extrapolate the water level the next day. Plan your sick days accordingly.
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Note: The Toe's take out also doubles as the take out for the very serious class 4 creek run named Geddes. Make sure you do not go on this run with a play boat as there is nearly a 100% vertical pin spot for play boats. People have been pinned with their head just at or under water. Creek boats seem to glide over the pinning rock. The pinning hunk of rock is not large 2x2x4 feet. It is 100% under the water line. You will not see it, even with extensive scouting. It lays in a trough when your bow will dip under the waterline and engage the pinning rock. The water flow slams your stern down to the river bed. The pin rock can easily be missed, but lays in the preferred line for those not in the know. Watch being too opportunistic on this one.
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Applejacks Bar.. AKA "the place with the Live Bait/ATM Sign". Within walking distance of the take out on Rt32 South is a no frills bar with killer chicken wings. Unless you're a trout go for the wings.
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| 03054500
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Tygart River, Arden, WV CL III-V
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9/24/2017 8:00 AM
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3.12
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48.8
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Tygart Arden Sec, Class 3-5 8 miles, Arden,West Va
This is a high quality stout run for Upper Yough paddlers. It is about 5 miles below Buckannon confluence.
It should take about 6.5 hours to get to from NJ RT 78/287 intersection.
Gauge:
Min 800 cfs (as per AW) my guide book says 400
Max ?
Moats Falls runs above 3000+ cfs
A Bellington gauge reading of 3.5 should
be plenty to run the Arden section.
4 feet on Bellington should be a good level.
5000 cfs is still listed as Medium on AW
-wayne
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| 03051000
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Tygart Valley River, Belington, WV C III-V
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9/24/2017 7:30 AM
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2.20
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18.0
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TYGART GORGE, Class 3-5, 11 miles
Belington, WV to Buckahannon confluence.
3.5-7 feet at Belington gauge 412-262-5290
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MIDDLE FORK, Laurel Fork to Audra State Park, Class 1-3, 5 miles
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Middle Fork, (Audra State Park to Tygart confluence)
Class 4, 6 miles
Level:
4 ft on Tygart at Belington is a good indicator.
3.2-6ft phone gauge 412-262-5290
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| 04262500
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W Br Oswegatchie, Harrisville, NY
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9/24/2017 7:30 AM
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1.68
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105
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West Br Oswegatchie (near harrisville,ny)
This is a good northwestern Daks gauge.
800 CFS and rising is good for the Twin Falls Section of the Grass. Or 1200 CFS and falling is good to drive for.
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| 01383500
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Wanaque River at Awosting NJ
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9/24/2017 7:00 AM
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1.58
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4.20
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| 03479000
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Watuga River, Suger Grove, NC Cl II-IV
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9/24/2017 7:30 AM
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1.50
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49.0
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Watauga Class 4-5, 5 miles
North Carolina, worth the drive alone. Look to combine this with Wilson Creek. You can possibly get this by scheduling into Leland Davis's Advanced creeking course. I ran Watauga at 150 cfs for a great day as well as willson's at -7 inches for a very good day. Don't discount the low flow fun but more would be loads better.
THE BEST OF CREEKS. This Should be on anyones short list for a non death defying runs. Pretty!!!, Interesting!!!, High quality. Upper Yough ability required.....but way better than the upper yough without undue danger. Stateline falls is serious and easy to sense that it is coming to know when to get out. Hydro we easily found as we sensed we wanted to scout the drop. The AW picture didn't help us locate hydro but did help us to make sure we were at it once we scouted. Hydro at 150 cfs was very easy to run.
-wayne (1/2008)
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| 01139000
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Wells River, Wells River, Vt Cl IV-V+
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9/24/2017 7:45 AM
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1.60
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35.9
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Solid class V-V+ over 500cfs. Danger-class V+ waterfall; many instances of serious bodily & equipment damage!
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| 01386000
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West Brook near Wanaque NJ
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9/24/2017 7:15 AM
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0.19
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4.44
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| 01461300
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Wick, Delaware Twsp, NJ Cl III-IV
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10/31/2012 8:45 PM
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2.31
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82
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WICKECHEOKE (Wick)Creek, Class 3-4, Aprox 5-8 miles
Only one easier class 4 and one class 3+ river wide ledge.
PORTAGE ALERT: There is a river wide ledge drop in the 7 foot high range. The land owner has many angry exchanges with boaters. He says he owns both sides of the creek. He does not respect boaters rights to walk within the high water line to scout/portage. The land owner is now taking time to hang by the creek taking pictures of all boaters. I think he is waiting to capture some novice paddler trespassing "scouting" on his land. Someone is likely to get slapped with trespassing. I worry that boaters will start to run the drop blind and someone will stumble into a strainer tucked into the bottom of the drop. This drop is close after the bigger 10 foot drop. There will be many no trespassing signs on river right and the left. On river right you will see a house with a backyard that extends close to just below the 7ft river wide ledge drop. I run this drop river right of center.
The land owner has threatened to push boats into the water if boaters leave them to run safety for 1st time Wick paddlers. A complete idiot.
Character: A few good drops fairly straight forward. The first is the biggest and is a real easy bump and grinding over the sloping 10 foot ledge. It looks much worse than it paddles to newer class 4 creekers. I've never pitoned in there either. At Medium levels the holes are fairly easy to glide through (4-5 ft) Run the 1st drop on the center to River Left. I've run the right line boofing off a small step in the shelf. Once I hit the deep pocket just barely bigger than a boat's footprint. It does not read like a pocket is down there. I walked back up and I missed on a 2nd run cracking my boat under the seat. Check it dry before you huck the Right.
Put in: Croton, Nj
Put in: Locktown (historic church), Nj (most popular)
Take out: At the low clearance bridge you see at the intersection running shuttle.
Take out: Rosemont-Sergeantsville Rd covered bridge (with visual gauge). NOTE THE OBVIOUS TAKE OUT PULL OFF IS NOW POSTED "NO PARKING"
Park elsewhere nearby. Try just a little upstream.
Take out: Stockton Old Mill, Rt 29
Gauge: Visual gauge at the covered Bridge should at least be 4 Ft.
Wick runs generally for 1-8 hours. It never holds through the night. Get on it first when creeking the Lock, Wick, Geddes, Toe. Don't boat down to stockton unless you just want to let more water waste away on the Lock, geddes..etc.
I'm not real familiar with the newer minimum's on the usgs gauge but I've configured this gauge to show as running at 4.0 feet usgs (aprox 400 cfs). The max is an arbitrary large value of 9.00 ft.
The upper flow limit of the Wick some might define by the very limited Low bridge clearance after the 2nd river wide ledge. (Yup the portage alert ledge)
My preference is to take out at *this* low bridge before the covered bridge. Serious creekers on a serious water day want to get the best of the Wick by only running the first 3rd of the run and then jumping over to Geddes or the Lock. I'll never take out at the Mill in stockton again but some have said they want to surf waves on the lower Wick section...I didn't see anything worth wasting time on while the big water is in the creeks draining away.
-wayne
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| 01601000
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Wills Creek below Hyndman, PA
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9/24/2017 7:15 AM
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1.49
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22.1
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| 02140991
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Wilson Creek North Carolina
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9/24/2017 7:15 AM
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2.09
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177
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WILSON CREEK, Class 3-4+(5), 1.9 miles of canyon
If the Johns River Gauge is rising at 500 cfs Wilson's should be running.
Some use this gauge to determine if Watagua is running in a wide spread rain event.
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| 03075500
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Youghiogheny River near Oakland, MD
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9/24/2017 7:15 AM
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2.01
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33.6
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TOP YOUGH, Class 4-5, 3 miles
Look to run laps or combine this short run with the Big Sandy.
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2.6 - Minimum flow to run. Roughly 150 CFS
3.4 - Hole below Swallow Falls becomes a keeper and Swallowtail rapid bottom hole is nasty and dangerous.
4.0 - Maximum flow to run
You cannot look at Friendsville gauge for the Top Yough. The Muddy creek and Deep Creek Hydro project dump water in below the Top Yough Section but above the Friendsville gauge and does not accurately reflect levels on the Top Yough section.
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In general I believe the Top is a little easier section than the Upper which is 3 miles further down stream.
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The Top has higher drops than the Upper which is why someone might think the Top is more difficult. The Top also has the Suck Hole Seive. I personally consider the Upper's huge boulder gardens a more technical challenge.
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| 03076500
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Youghiogheny River, Friendsville, Md Cl V
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9/24/2017 7:45 AM
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2.15
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70.5
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64.8
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UPPER YOUGH
Most refer to the Sang Run Bridge gauge at the put in.
Sang Run gauge = Friendsville gauge minus 1.25.
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Creeky Technical Run = 1.5 to 1.8 feet Sang Run Bridge
1.9 Dam release level
Regular Class 4+(5) Run = 1.9 to 2.3 Sang Run Bridge
Becomes more of a Class 5 run = 2.3-2.6
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At the high end 2.6+, the raft companies don't run it anymore and few expert locals are seen.
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| 03081500
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Youghiogheny River, Ohiopyle, Pa Cls III
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9/24/2017 7:15 AM
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1.90
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932
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LOWER YOUGH, Class 3
Ohiopyle, PA (southwestern,pa)
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Extra Info is included as this river is often a KCCNY Paddler's first full on class 3/4 river that they step up to developing solid intermediate skill.
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1.2 ft - Minimum flow
1.5-1.8 ft - Ohiopyle Falls Race level.
1.8 ft - Regular Summer Flow
2.5 ft - Generally considered optimal class 3 flow.
4.0 ft - Class 4 flow. Serious Big & Fast Water.
9.0 ft - Max flow
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Budget 6 hours from Rt 287 and RT 78 to get there.
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Permitted Put In: On weekends and weekday holidays between April 1st and October 15th, paddlers must purchase a $3.00 permit each to Put In on the Lower Yough between the times of 8am and 3:30pm. On any summer day you can get on the Lower Yough if you, rise early and put in before 8am.
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The permits as well as camping may be purchased from the Park (DCNR) 1-888-PA-PARKS.
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There are shuttle tags that you must buy on summer weekends to shuttle your boat and you from the Take Out to the Take Out parking lot. Purchase these at the put in booth for $4.
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1st timers should be watched closely through entrance and cucumber rapids. If its not going well you can walk out. Just up stream from Cucumber on river left is a creek. You can walk out in 10 minutes. Once you get below the Loop section a bad day can be ended by hiking up river left bank to the bike path and walking out.
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The hazard of great discussion is the undercut Dimple Rock. Personally I focus a new intermediate paddler's attention on making the river right eddy across from the river left Dimple rock. The mental and technical pressure of making an eddy is much more managable. Even if the paddler just gets close to making the eddy they'll slide by dimple rock smooth as silk.
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If your goal is class 4-5 paddling I suggest you consider taking advantage of the seal launching rock at the Lower Yough put in. Its nearly still water there. Have an agile buddy climb up on the boulder with you and help stabilize your kayak while you get in. Don't fall off the boulder!! Slide off and enjoy your first big seal launch. Its nearly idiot proof. 2 years later I realized this exercise was paying off. I was about to seal launch into fast current at Big Splat on the Lower Big Sandy. That Lower Yough seal launch so long ago filled my paddling tool box with the skill needed for the class 5.1 portage.
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PUTTING THE SECTIONS OF THE YOUGH TOGETHER
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The Top Yough (4-5) and Upper Yough (4-5) lay up stream in Maryland about 1 hr drive away.
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The Middle Yough is a very mellow class 2 run (10.4 miles) that is just upstream running from Confluence to Ohiopyle.(tons and tons of flat water)
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The following Lower Yough gauge feet to CFS mapping was sourced from the park service in 9/2002.
1.75 Feet-600 CFS
2.00 - 750 CFS
2.00 - Ohiopyle Falls Race Level or Lower.
2.25 - 900 CFS
2.50 - 1,100 CFS
2.75 - 1,350 CFS
3.00 - 1,650 CFS
3.25 - 1,900 CFS
3.50 - 2,200 CFS
3.75 - 2,500 CFS
4.00 - 2,900 CFS
4.25 - 3,300 CFS
4.50 - 3,700 CFS
5.0 - 4,400 CFS
6.0 - 6,350 CFS
7.0 - 8,000 CFS
8.0 -10,500 CFS
9.0 -13,500 CFS
10.Ft -18,000 CFS
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