WEST VIRGINIA FLOW REPORT

Last Updated: January 2, 2026

West Virginia's river conditions show considerable variation in streamflow across the state, significantly lower than normal for most locations, which could be concerning for water enthusiasts and environmentalists alike. Many rivers are experiencing reduced streamflows at the moment, with recorded flows ranging from 40 to 83 percent below their normal levels, as seen in the Potomac and Tygart Valley Rivers. For example, the North Fork South Branch Potomac River at Cabins is flowing at 195 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is 63 percent below normal, while the Potomac River at Shepherdstown is at 1400 cfs, 78.54 percent below normal. The gage heights, a measure of water depth, are also lower, indicating a potential trend towards streamflow drought in multiple areas.

Despite overall lower flows, the Shavers Fork near Cheat Bridge stands out with an abnormally high streamflow, at 591 cfs which is 281.73 percent above the norm, marked by a significant gage height of 6.78 feet. This anomaly could be due to localized weather patterns or specific watershed conditions. Meanwhile, the Tygart Valley River at Tygart Dam near Grafton shows a streamflow close to normal at 3690 cfs with a gage height of 8.68 feet, which is a key observation for this watershed. Outdoor enthusiasts, especially whitewater rafters, should be cautious as popular trails on rivers like the New River at Thurmond and the Gauley River may have significantly lower flows, potentially altering their difficulty or accessible periods. Major cities along these rivers, including Charleston on the Kanawha River, should monitor these trends for any impact on water supply or recreational activities. Lastly, the current low-flow conditions across most rivers in West Virginia are critical for authorities to monitor for the sustained health of the ecosystems and to prepare for any necessary water management measures.