Gauge Description:

Max/min are from (perhaps faulty) memory. The NWS sets flood stage at 9.00'.

GAUGE: Most paddlers go by the North Branch Potomac gauge at Kitzmiller, MD. A good low level on this gauge is 4.8 ft, although its still runnable down to about 4.4 ft--inches make a huge difference here. 5.0 ft is a good level for first timers, with the run becoming progressively more difficult up until about 5.5 ft. At 5.5 ft the run is solid class 4, slightly easier--but a lot more continuous--than the Lower Gauley. At 6-7 ft the run is class 4+ with few eddies, large waves, and massive holes. Above 7 feet the run develops a lot of terminal keeper holes (supposedly), so it's best to stay away. When it's running, the Stony River tacks on an extra 4 miles to the total run, removing 3 miles from the beginning and adding 7 miles of technical class 3-4.