Cairnbrook to Clear Shade Creek 1.9 miles
Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
IV-V 60/160 Tiny
(36/60) A/B
Reitz
Topographic Maps: Windber
County Maps: Somerset
Description: This is a very tight stream with very rapid drops. The last half mile drops 80 feet. It is almost comparable to the Upper Youghiogheny in difficulty. It is only runnable with much water in the Shade. Run with covered boats only. [Checked 2003]
Difficulties: Everything below the slag dump on river right.
Shuttle: Use State Route 160.
Gauges: Ferndale. This gauge further downstream on Stony Creek will probably read 5.5 to 6.0 feet.
Normal Wet Period: No available statistics on seasons. Since this section is tiny, it should normally be runnable only after a heavy rain or during spring snowmelt.