Gauge Description:

This gauge is well upstream of the actual run, but is still a great indicator for levels on this run. The Minimum and Maximum levels are rough guidelines because the Maury is adding quite a bit to the volume at the put-in. It is such a large river it really is never too low to run, but for whitewater paddlers it is much more fun at levels over 4 feet. The local canoe livery will not put trips on over 6 feet, but for many folks thats when the run is the most fun.

JAMES RIVER AT BUCHANAN, VA [ VA ]

Current Conditions Stage Flow Updated 3.34 1380 8/29 11:45 Station Graphs

Linked Reaches

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Level Legend:

Running

Below Minimum Recommended Flow

Above Maximum Recommended Flow

Unknown

Descriptions of reaches with River Name in bold have been verified by a regional StreamTeam member.

State	River Name/Section	Class	Level	Rel. Level	Updated
VA	James— 1. Eagle Rock (Route 43) to Springwood (Route 630)	I-II	3.34	med	8/29 11:45
VA	James— 2. Balcony Falls Run	II+(III)	3.34 ft	med	8/29 11:45
va	James— Alpine to Glasgow	I-II	1,380.00		8/29 11:45
va	James— Arcadia to Alpine	I(II)	1,380.00		8/29 11:45
va	James— Buchanan to Arcadia	I-II	1,380.00		8/29 11:45
va	James— Springwood to Buchanan	I	1,380.00		8/29 11:45

Station Description

AW Gauge ID:	592
USGS Station:	02019500
HUC:	02080201
Latitude:	37.5306
Longitude:	-79.6792
Class:	4

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Put-In
The road to the put-in dead ends at a gravel parking area on the Maury River, just upstream of a railroad trussel which lies between the put-in and the confluence of the James and Maury Rivers. There is a gravel boatramp that can be used to access the river or some choose to seal launch off the grassy bank to the left of the ramp.

Confluence (Class II+, Mile 0.0)
The first rapid after the put-in is actully on the Maury River just prior to it joining the James. The typical line is down a tight slot right of center. Due to it's reputation for flipping many beginners and fisherman some choose to walk down the right bank, under the railroad, and past this rapid to put directly onto the James River.

First Ledge (Class I, Mile 0.2)
After the confluence of the James and Maury Rivers the first ledge forms a small glassy wave in channel left of center. At some higher levels the ledge can form surfable waves just right of center as well.

White Rocks (Class II, Mile 0.9)
An island composed of light colored sandstone boulders gives this rapid it's name. The island splits the river providing various routes and playspots found on either side. At levels over 4 feet the river right contains a hole that is great for left spins and low angle cartwheels. This spot gets better as the water rises until it washes out somewhere over 7 feet.

Big Cove Ledges (Class II, Mile 1.6)
After White Rocks and prior to reaching Balcony Falls, the small tributary Big Cove Branch enters on the river right. At the same point, paddles encounter a river wide series of ledges named for creek. While this ledge series had endless possible routes, the best play features are located on far river left.

Balcony Falls (Class III, Mile 1.9)
Where the mountains come together forming the largest constriction on the run is Balcony Falls. Here there is a large sandstone island in the center of the river. The normal line is down the large channel left of the island, starting center, driving left, and ending in the large eddy on river left. Other more technical lines exist through the rocks further left or going right of the island. Some fisherman use a channel against the river right bank to sneak the whole rapid.

Rock Garden (Class II, Mile 2.0)
After Balcony Falls paddlers enter The Rock Garden, which is exactly what it's name indicates. There is no exact line, but to access the play spots near the end, start left at the top then work your way all the way to river right.

The Garden Hole (Class II, Mile 2.4)
After working from left to right in the Rock Garden paddler's can catch a ride on a nice green wave with two distinct breaks. A play feature that is easiest to catch on the fly, it is also possible to get multiple rides using the river right eddy for access. This is another good feature for levels of 4-6 feet.

Long Shore Ledge (a.k.a. The Party Wave) (Class II, Mile 2.6)
When the river is up in the 5-7 foot range, just above Little Balcony on the right a great surf wave spans about 40 feet. When it is in it's lots of fun, providing good surfing for as many people as want to join in.

Little Balcony (Class II+, Mile 2.7)
Little Balcony is a ledge series that marks the end of the rock gardens found between Balcony Falls and Jump Rock. Many lines exist through this rapid, but the most popular is to go just right or just left of a large boulder in the center of the river.

Jump Rock (Class II, Mile 2.8)
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