Current Conditions for South Fork Shenandoah River
| Updated For: | Saturday, May 4, 2024 |
| River Level: | Normal/Low |
| The River Level Is: | Steady |
| River Temperature: | 70 degrees |
| Clarity: | Clear |
Open every day, seven days a week.
WE ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE 2024 SEASON. We are open every day, 7 days a week. Our hours of operation through the summer are: 9 am – 6 pm weekdays (Monday thru Friday) and 7 am – 7 pm weekends (Saturday and Sunday).
The river remains in the upper part of our “Low” range for today, a decent paddling level but a little low for this time of the year. River clarity is good, but fishing is still a bit slow.
This weekend’s weather looks rainy and much cooler both days.
RIVER LEVEL TREND: We experienced a pretty severe drought last summer (2023) which resulted in unusually low river conditions for much of the season. As of early May ’24 some of the effects of the drought are still with us, and April showers this year were disappointing (keep that rain coming Mother Nature!)
The river is buzzing with spring activity, birds and bugs and active fish. It’s always great to see.
REMINDER: stay HYDRATED, use SUNSCREEN, have adequate FOOT PROTECTION (covered toe river sandals or old sneakers)
Looking forward to another great year on the river.
Be advised river conditions can change rapidly with sudden storms or heavy rain in the upper watershed. Also, water temperature can vary up to 8 degrees or more in a single day.
To find out more detail about current conditions
click here to visit the Luray River Gauge
Over 5.5 feet – Too Damn High (risky)
4.0 to 5.5 feet – High (pushy)
2.4 to 4.0 feet – Normal (ideal)
2.00 to 2.4 feet – Low (slower)
Below 2.00 feet – Very Low (bumpy)
RIVER LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS
TOO DAMN HIGH
No equipment will be rented when the river is too damn high, no exceptions.
HIGH
River is swift and powerful, use extra caution at Compton Rapid, and stay in the main channel. Small rapids smoothed over. Keep those lifevests zipped up.
NORMAL
The ideal canoeing level. Lots of small rapids to play in.
LOW
Canoes will bump and scrape occasionally, and trips take a little longer. But the water is always beautifully clear.
VERY LOW
Shorten up your trip. Canoeist will have to step out of their canoes from time to time, but even at this level the river can still be quite enjoyable if you take your time.