THE U.S. FOREST SERVICE CRANBERRY CAMPGROUND TO THE CONFLUENCE WITH THE GAULEY RIVER
River Runs • Kayaking • Whitewater
November 21, 2024
National Weather Service • Until 2024-11-21T18:15:00-05:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 9 and 20 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Northwest Pocahontas, Southeast Randolph, and Southeast Webster Counties. * WHEN...Until 7 PM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
SUMMARY
| Last Updated | 2024-11-21 |
| River Levels | 33 cfs (1.14 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 146% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-iv |
| Elevation | ft |
| Run Length | 13.0 Mi |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage |
USGS 03186500 |
The Whitewater River Run in West Virginia is a thrilling adventure for kayakers and rafters alike. The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 1,000 to 3,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), which typically occurs from mid-June to early October. The river is rated as a class III-IV and is broken down into two distinct segments. The first segment runs from the U.S. Forest Service Cranberry Campground to the town of Marlinton, covering approximately 12 miles. The second segment runs from Marlinton to the confluence with the Gauley River and covers approximately 4 miles.
This river is known for its adrenaline-pumping rapids, including Sweets Falls, Big Rock, Iron Ring, and Devil's Backbone. These rapids range from class III to IV and require technical skills to navigate. It is important for kayakers and rafters to be prepared and have adequate experience before attempting this river.
Some specific regulations to the area include the requirement of personal flotation devices (PFDs) for all participants, and the prohibition of alcohol on the river. The U.S. Forest Service also requires a permit for commercial use of the river, and all participants must follow the “leave no trace” principles to minimize impact on the environment.
Overall, the Whitewater River Run is a challenging and exhilarating experience for skilled kayakers and rafters, but it is important to be prepared, follow regulations, and respect the environment.
