Paddle Report

Begins Below Summersville Lake To The Town Of Swiss river run

West-Virginia, USA Gauley River 27.0 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
226%
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Linked streamgauge
-- cfs
Gauge height
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Begins Below Summersville Lake To  The Town Of Swiss -- West-Virginia paddle run
Begins Below Summersville Lake To The Town Of Swiss West-Virginia · Gauley River
About this run

Begins Below Summersville Lake To The Town Of Swiss

The Whitewater River Run on the Gauley River in West Virginia is a popular destination for thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts. The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 2,000-5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The segment of the river that is commonly run begins below Summersville Lake and ends at the town of Swiss. This section of the river is classified as a Class III-IV, and contains numerous rapids and obstacles that require skill and experience to navigate.

Some of the specific rapids and obstacles on this segment of the river include Pillow Rock, Lost Paddle, Iron Ring, and Sweet's Falls. The rapids on this section of the river are known for their steep drops, strong currents, and technical challenges. The entire segment of the river is approximately 12 miles long, and typically takes 4-6 hours to complete.

There are specific regulations that apply to the Whitewater River Run, including a requirement for all participants to wear appropriate safety gear, such as helmets and life jackets. Additionally, there are restrictions on the number of people allowed on the river at any one time, and certain sections of the river may be closed during high water or other hazardous conditions.

Overall, the Whitewater River Run is a challenging and rewarding experience for experienced whitewater rafters. However, it is important to always follow safety guidelines and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
StateWest-Virginia
RiverGauley River
Run length27.0 mi
ClassIII-IV
Elevation1,880 ft
Current flow--
Percent of normal226%
StreamgageUSGS 03190000
Latitude38.2234°
Longitude-80.8913°
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 Begins Below Summersville Lake To The Town Of Swiss -- 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 Begins Below Summersville Lake To The Town Of Swiss 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 Begins Below Summersville Lake To The Town Of Swiss

What's the optimal flow for Begins Below Summersville Lake To The Town Of Swiss?

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.