Paddle Report

Bluestone Dam To Gauley Bridge river run

West-Virginia, USA New River 67.0 mi long Class III-IV
Today high
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Tonight low
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Current flow
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% of normal
651%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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 Bluestone Dam To  Gauley Bridge -- West-Virginia paddle run
Bluestone Dam To Gauley Bridge West-Virginia · New River
About this run

Bluestone Dam To Gauley Bridge

The Whitewater River Run from Bluestone Dam to Gauley Bridge in West Virginia is a popular destination for rafters and kayakers. The ideal streamflow range for this section of the river is between 1,000 and 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The class rating for this segment is Class III-IV, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced paddlers. The total segment mileage is approximately 10 miles, with several notable rapids and obstacles such as "Shoals" and "Lower Mash."

There are specific regulations in place for this area, including a requirement for all rafters and kayakers to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on the river. Additionally, all participants must be able to swim and have some experience in whitewater paddling. The area is also subject to certain seasonal restrictions, and permits may be required for commercial outfitters.

Overall, the Whitewater River Run from Bluestone Dam to Gauley Bridge offers a challenging and thrilling experience for experienced paddlers. It is important to check current streamflow conditions and adhere to all regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
StateWest-Virginia
RiverNew River
Run length67.0 mi
ClassIII-IV
Elevation1,394 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal651%
StreamgageUSGS 03184000
Latitude37.6410°
Longitude-80.8865°
Detailed forecast

Plan your run down to the hour

Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram; rain ahead of a run typically lifts flows 12-48 hours later depending on the basin.

Hourly detail

Next 5 days, hour by hour

Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.

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Deep dive

5-day forecast table

Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.

TimeConditionTemp (°F)Snow (in)Rain (in)Humidity (%)Wind (mps)Wind dir
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Long-term outlook

15-day temperature & precipitation

Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.

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Regional flow

Regional streamflow levels

USGS streamgauges around Bluestone Dam To Gauley Bridge -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.

Whitewater safety

Check the flow before you run
Use the linked-gauge card and Regional Flow panel above. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV+ at high water.
Know your skill ceiling
Pick runs comfortably below your ceiling. Cold-water and big-water runs raise the consequences of any mistake.
Wear the right gear
Helmet, PFD, drysuit / wetsuit when water is below 60°F. Throw bag, knife, and whistle on your person, not in the boat.
Scout, set safety, and run with a team
Scout new rapids on foot, set safety with throw bags above the consequence pool, and run with at least one other competent paddler.
Respect the river
Strainers, undercuts, low-head dams, and wood can kill at any class rating. When in doubt, portage.

Set push alerts in the Snoflo app

Save Bluestone Dam To Gauley Bridge as a favorite, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me when flow hits 600 cfs"), and the iOS app pushes the moment the linked gauge crosses.

FAQ

About Bluestone Dam To Gauley Bridge

What's the optimal flow for Bluestone Dam To Gauley Bridge?

The optimal flow depends on the section and the craft. Check the Run Details panel for the linked gauge and current status.

How fresh is the cfs reading on this page?

The linked USGS streamgauge reports continuously (every 15 minutes); Snoflo refreshes throughout the day. Hover the streamflow sparkline to read individual datapoints.

What's the whitewater class?

See the Run Details panel for the class rating Snoflo tracks for this run. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV in high water.

Where do I put in / take out?

Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions to the put-in. For shuttle planning, check the Nearby Boat Launches panel and the river run operator's site.

Can I get alerts when flows hit the optimal range?

Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this run, set a discharge threshold, and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.