Cold Weather Advisory
2026-01-29T11:00:00-05:00

* WHAT...For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills as low as 13 below zero expected. * WHERE...Portions of north central and western Maryland, central, northwest, and western Virginia, and eastern and panhandle West Virginia. * WHEN...From 7 PM this evening to 11 AM EST Thursday. * IMPACTS...The cold wind chills as low as 13 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Additional Cold Weather Headlines are expected at times through the end of the week as the region remains in an Arctic airmass.

Big Bend Campground To Canyon Exit (Just Prior To Confluence With North Branch) Paddle Report

Paddle Report

West-Virginia

Last Updated: 2026-01-26

The Big Bend Campground to Canyon Exit (just prior to confluence with North Branch) is a popular whitewater river run located in the state of West Virginia.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

15-Day Weather Outlook

Summary

The ideal streamflow range for this segment is between 1000-4000 cfs, with the best conditions typically occurring in the spring and early summer months. The class rating for this section of the river is mostly Class II-III, with a few Class IV rapids such as the famous "Staircase" rapid.

The segment mileage for this run is approximately 9 miles, with the average run time being around 2-3 hours. Some of the notable rapids and obstacles on this section of the river include the "Tumblehome" rapid, "Minnieska" rapid, and "Demon Drop" rapid. It is important to note that this run requires intermediate to advanced paddling skills and experience.

There are specific regulations that apply to this area, including a required permit system for commercial and private boaters. Additionally, all boaters are required to wear a US Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on the river.

River Run Details

Last Updated	2026-01-26
River Levels	38 cfs (4.16 ft)
Percent of Normal	27%
Status
Class Level	ii-iii
Elevation	ft
Streamflow Discharge	cfs
Gauge Height	ft
Reporting Streamgage	USGS 01606000

Explore Interactive Map

Cold Weather Advisory
Until 2026-01-28T20:45:00-05:00 • National Weather Service
* WHAT...For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills as low as 13 below zero expected. * WHERE...Portions of north central and western Maryland, central, northwest, and western Virginia, and eastern and panhandle West Virginia. * WHEN...From 7 PM this evening to 11 AM EST Thursday. * IMPACTS...The cold wind chills as low as 13 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Additional Cold Weather Headlines are expected at times through the end of the week as the region remains in an Arctic airmass.

BIG BEND CAMPGROUND TO CANYON EXIT (JUST PRIOR TO CONFLUENCE WITH NORTH BRANCH)

Paddle Report • Streamflow Levels • Weather Forecast

January 28, 2026

Last Updated	2026-01-26
River Levels	38 cfs (4.16 ft)
Percent of Normal	27%
Status
Class Level	ii-iii
Elevation	ft
Streamflow Discharge	cfs
Gauge Height	ft
Reporting Streamgage	USGS 01606000

Realtime River Levels

USGS 01606000

Big Bend Campground To Canyon Exit (Just Prior To Confluence With North Branch) Preview

Start Free Trial

Hourly Weather Forecast

Nearby Streamflow Levels

N F South Br Potomac R At Cabins 38.8cfs	39cfs
So. Branch Potomac River Nr Petersburg 287.0cfs	287cfs
So Fk So Br Potomac R At Brandywine 26.2cfs	26cfs
South Branch Potomac River At Franklin 73.3cfs	73cfs
So Fk South Branch Potomac R Nr Moorefield 55.5cfs	56cfs
Blackwater R Nr Davis 132cfs	132cfs