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Gormania, West Virginia 15.0 miles Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level IV 47/66 Medium
(225/452) B/C 4.0-6.0 Topographic Maps: Gorman (Md), Mount Storm (WVa), Kitzmiller (Md), County Maps: Garrett (Md), Grant (WVa), Mineral (WVa) Description: This reliable standard is favored by whitewater enthusiasts from the Washington and Baltimore area. The run features fairly continuous Class III and IV water with numerous ledges and an infinite number of surfing possibilities. Though polluted by mine drainage, the river valley is scenic and remote for the most part. A railroad parallels the river, which serves as the boundary between Maryland and West Virginia. About 4 miles into the run the Stony River enters from river right and the volume increases. About 0.5 miles below this point is the first of three large river-wide ledges, which should be scouted. The remainder of the run is characterized by wave trains marred by concealed souse holes. [Checked 1985] Difficulties: At higher levels this river is comparable to the New (Class V). Above 6.0 feet the river is dangerous because of recirculating holes formed by the three ledges noted above. At 6.5 feet the wave trains reach a height of 8 to 10 feet, which sounds like great fun. Unfortunately there are gigantic hydraulics buried in these wave trains that could easily recirculate a boat and/or paddler for a very long time. These holes could be avoided if you knew their location, but they can not always be spotted from upstream. At high water the action is continuous and a swim could be long and unpleasant. If the Stony River gauge is 5 feet or higher, the Kitzmiller gauge will probably be above 6 feet. Hence, any time you run the lower Stony at higher levels you may have to paddle out via the Potomac in dangerously high water. Allow time to scout and carry. Shuttle: Approximately 3.5 hours from Pittsburgh. To reach the put-in take State Route 50 to Gormania, then take a dirt road on river left, 2 miles to Steyer. An alternate put-in is on the Stony River State Route 50 bridge. Take out in Kitzmiller, or eliminate 2 miles of tedious water by driving up river left to Shallmar, Maryland. Gauges: Kitzmiller. This gauge should read between 4.0 and 6.0 feet. Call the National Weather Service for the Potomac River Basin. See Appendix E for the phone number. Normal Wet Period: No available statistics on seasons. Since this section is medium-sized, it should normally be runnable approximately December through May. |
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