VEPCO Dam to US Route 50 13.6 miles
to the North Branch Potomac
VEPCO Dam to North Branch Potomac
Class Grad Size (Area/Volume) Scene/Poll Level
IV-V 75/150 Small A/B 4.0-6.5
Kitzmiller
Topographic Maps: Mt. Storm Lake (WVa), Gorman (WVa), Mount Storm (WVa)
County Maps: Grant (WVa)
Description: This little rip-snorter should be high on every expert boater's list. It is only available in early spring or after very heavy rains. Flow is controlled by the power company dam. The steep gradient and small volume combine to produce a run that is continuous Class IV whitewater with occasional Class V sequences. The Stony twists and turns, and eddies are few and far between. The river can not be effectively scouted from shore because of the dense vegetation. Decisions must be made quickly and good boat control is a must.
Either section alone is physically demanding; together they make a grueling run virtually without comparison. A distance of 22 miles may be covered in one day, if one puts in at the VEPCO Dam, runs to the junction of the Stony with the Potomac, and then continues on to Kitzmiller, Maryland. All of it Class IV-V. The net drop in altitude is over 1000 feet! If you decide to attempt this stunt, leave one vehicle at the bridge on US Route 50, midway through the run, just in case you overestimated your ability or endurance. [Checked 1985]
Difficulties: The stream is small and swift and there are numerous pinning possibilities and few rescue spots. A single log can obstruct the entire river. One could easily chase a boat for more than a mile before recovery. The mountainsides are covered with dense, tangled rhododendron. Hiking out would be a nightmare. This is no place to miss a roll! There is a Class V+ rapid which should be scouted and/or carried about 0.25 miles from the junction with the Potomac. It occurs after the river makes a sweeping curve to the left.
If you run the lower section, you will probably paddle out to Kitzmiller on the Potomac at levels higher than usually recommended. See the section on the North Branch of the Potomac.
In summary, this is an exciting run appropriate only for groups of experts in closed boats. Consider it an expedition and be prepared.
Shuttle: For the upper section put in at the VEPCO Dam (Mount Storm Lake). The US Route 50 bridge is midway through the run, an alternate put-in or take-out. There is no good take-out at the junction with the Potomac. You will have to paddle out at least as far as Shallmar, Maryland which is 2 miles upstream from Kitzmiller on river left.
Gauges: Kitzmiller. This gauge should read between 4.0 and 6.5 feet. At 4 feet it is technical, shallow rock gardens. At 6.0 feet it is very pushy. With the Stony at 5.0 feet the Kitzmiller Gauge on the Potomac has been measured at 6.5 feet. Paddling the Stony at levels of 5.0 feet or over will usually mean paddling out to Kitzmiller on the Potomac at dangerously high levels. To obtain the gauge 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.
West Virginia contains many excellent rivers, not part of the Monongahela watershed, that are routinely run by Western Pennsylvania paddlers. These streams are described in Wild Water West Virginia by Davidson, Eister and Davidson. To describe them here would entail a tremendous duplication of resources, as well as exceed the intended range of this guide. The following snippets are intended to provide just a sampling of the selections available. Read Davidson, Eister and Davidson, grab your paddle, and enjoy!
Bluestone Class II-IV 25 miles
A spectacular narrow gorge with 200 foot cliffside waterfalls provides the scenery for more than 20 miles of continuous tumbling fun.
Cranberry Class III-V 13 miles
Very little, very steep, and very busy.
Gauley (upper) Class IV-V 16 miles
From Summerville Dam to Peters Creek this river is big, long, inaccessible, tough, dangerous, and intoxicating. All this within a steep-walled canyon.
Gauley (lower) Class III-V 8 miles
From Peters Creek to Swiss this river is less strenuous than the upper, but still challenging, heavy-duty whitewater.
Greenbriar Class I-II 43 miles
From Durbin to Cass to Marlinton is a delightful open canoe camping trip.
Meadow (upper) Class II-V 15 miles
There are 8 miles of flatwater followed by THE Rapids, 4 miles of unrelenting action.
Meadow (middle) Class III-IV 5 miles
Busy run in a beautiful canyon with an easy shuttle. Resembles the Mile on the Slippery Rock Creek in Pennsylvania.
Meadow (lower) Class V-VI 5 miles
Super-difficult and super-dangerous with scouting and carrying often the main activities.
New (Bluestone to Sandstone) Class II-III 11 miles
Broad valley with wide open rapids, but watch for 6‑foot Brooks Falls and 20‑foot Sandstone Falls.
New (Sandstone to Thurmond) Class II-III 30 miles
Scenic valley, open rapids, widely spaced by pools, excellent fishing and many campsites.
New (Gorge) Class III-V 14 miles
The biggest whitewater in West Virginia. A powerful river with long, but open rapids and with 6‑foot to 8‑foot waves a dime a dozen.
New (Dries) Class III-IV 6 miles
This normally dry river bed (due to the water being diverted for power plant cooling) becomes an exciting run when the New's flow exceeds 10,000 cfs.
Potomac (Main stem) Class C-II 115 miles
Beautiful, historic, West Virginia-Maryland border. A huge river, mostly flat and flowing with widely spaced easy rapids suitable for floating and camping. At high levels very powerful and dangerous.
Savage (in Maryland) Class III-IV 5.5 miles
Small but fierce. Might be considered as one very, very long rapid.