TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the reporting a streamflow rate of cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Cacapon River, with a gauge stage of ft at this location. This river is monitored from 1 different streamgauging stations along the Cacapon River, the highest being situated at an altitude of ft, the .
The Cacapon River is a 81-mile long river located in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, United States. The river has a rich history dating back to the pre-colonial era and was used by Native Americans for fishing and trade. Today, the river is a popular destination for recreational activities such as swimming, kayaking, and fishing. The river is fed by numerous tributaries and is known for its rich aquatic biodiversity. Several dams and reservoirs have been constructed along the river, including the Cacapon Dam, which was built in 1930 and is used for flood control and water supply. The river is also important for agriculture, providing irrigation water for crops and livestock. Despite its importance, the Cacapon River is facing numerous challenges such as pollution and habitat degradation, which threaten its ecological integrity and the sustainability of its resources.
YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cacapon River Near Great Cacapon
USGS 01611500 |
351 cfs | 2.22 ft | -9.54 |
History of the River
The Cacapon River (locally kə-KAY-pən; meaning Medicine Waters), located in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle region, is an 81.0-mile-long (130.4 km) river known for its fishing, boating, wildlife, and scenery. As part of the Potomac River watershed, it is an American Heritage River.
The Cacapon River Watershed is made up of three major river segments and many smaller stream watersheds. The headwaters of the Cacapon River, known as the Lost River, is 31.1 miles (50.1 km) long and receives water from a watershed covering 178 square miles (460 km2). The largest tributary of the Cacapon is the North River, which drains 206 square miles (530 km2), an area comparable to that of the Lost River. Overall, the Cacapon River watershed includes the Lost and North River watersheds, and those of many smaller streams for a total of 680 square miles (1,800 km2). The Cacapon watershed is itself part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
In recent years the Cacapon River and its watershed have become threatened by development, and industrial and agricultural growth. Concern about these issues led to the establishment of the Cacapon Institute in 1985 (originally known as the Pine Cabin Run Ecological Laboratory).