Current Conditions for South Fork Shenandoah River
| Updated For: | Friday, October 11, 2024 |
| River Level: | NORMAL |
| The River Level Is: | Falling Slowly |
| River Temperature: | 60 degrees at 12 noon The |
| Clarity: | Light Stain |
Open every day, seven days a week.
WE ARE OPEN EVERY DAY, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK THROUGH OCTOBER 31st. Our hours of operation for the rest of the season are 9 to 5 weekdays & 8 to 6 weekends.
The river level has finally dropped back to the middle to upper part of our “NORMAL” range after being too high to run all last week due to effects from Hurricane Helene. And we expect the river level to continue to slowly drop over the next few days.
So Downriver Canoe Company is open once again for canoeing, kayaking, and rafting. The river is still a little “pushy” and is getting chilly, so make sure everyone wears their PFD’s all the time while on the water.
The weather has finally stabilized with no more rain expected and temperatures in the low 70’s today and then back into the upper 70’s for the weekend with sunny skies.
Fishing was certainly impacted by the very high water levels last week, and that coupled with the chilly water temperatures will diminish fishing action (but there are still good fishing days to be had).
Again, be smart and WEAR YOUR PFD’s (lifejackets) all the time while paddling this time of year.
REMINDER: stay HYDRATED, use SUNSCREEN, have adequate FOOT PROTECTION (covered toe river sandals or old sneakers)
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.