North Branch of the Potomac
2006
Barnum, WV to Bloomington, MD
6.5 Miles
Class II-III
Avg Gradient: 30
fpm
Max Gradient: 30 fpm
Gauge: North
Branch of the Potomac at Barnum, WV
*Pictures
compliments of Patty Hachick
Click
pictures to enlarge
**Must have
QuickTime Player to view videos**
(get QuickTime
Player)
10/1/2006
Level: 4.39 ft, 1020 cfs
Craft: OC-1
At the put-in
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Bruce,
Mike, |
Rodney & Judy |
Running rapids
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Dave |
Rodney Backwards |
Judy | Bruce |
8/26/2006
Level: 4.12 ft, 817 cfs
Craft: OC-1
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| Click hyperlink to view video clips |
| Page design by: |
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Send mail to
riverrat1969@comcast.net with questions or comments about this website. |
Barnum, WV to Bloomington, MD
Class 2-3
Gauge: North Branch of the Potomac River at Barnum, WV
Catch after scheduled Dam Release
(Usually 1000 cfs)
Ran for the third and fourth time (8-16-03 and 8-17-03)
Zeth, an open boater friend of mine sent me an e-mail. The word was out. The dam at Jennings-Randolph Lake would provide 850 cfs. I was looking for places to boat for the weekend. So, I contacted him and said "I'm there" After loading my boat and gear, I made the trip. We met at the Army Corps camp ground near the lake. The next day, the two of us did the run. Time was passed with a few boaters along the way. The following morning, we met Dave and Melissa. Bob from the Monocacy Club also joined us.
River Description: I will recollect this information to the best of my knowledge. This run is characterized by medium to long rapids. The whitewater is separated by brief stretches of current. Eddies along the sides provide recovery time used to bail open boats. Oh, don't forget. The water is always cold due to the dam release. At the put-in, there is an abandoned bridge pier. It has a painted gauge on it. A popular playspot is found above. The trip starts with a quick warm up to the right of an island. Avoid the pillow. The action begins just below. Take a few bouts maneuvering in the midst of waves and holes. In addition, one setting will result in a series of nice hydraulics. Shortly after this point, a wall forms a right turn. This marks the entrance to "Blue Hole" A potential broaching situation exists before entering. Excitement is evident below this deep pool. Soon, a slanted concrete bank marks "Play Hole" A technical course is encountered further down. Start center, ferry far left. The next landmark is a back channel on river left. Pass a couple of riffles before the lead-in for "Robins Nest" This most significant spot is a double drop. The second creates a large stopper. Stay towards the inside. Find a slot between the ledges and pourovers. More fun follows. Eventually a boulder will be spotted in the midst of some flatwater. This is a reminder for "Top of the World" Launch yourself on river right! The last thriller is called "Amy's" by the West Virginia Wildwater Association. Not sure what the story is here. Work your way down past a mean hole to deal with a diagonal curler. It's a fairly easy paddle to the take-out from here. Choose the braid on the right when confronted.
Note: When comparing 850 cfs to 1000 cfs the waves are smaller and the river is more technical. At 1500 cfs (9-7-03), some rapids are easier to negotiate. Holes seem to disappear and there is more room to work with. However, there are exceptions. The hydraulics that occur a few rapids from the put-in become powerful. The line at "Robins Nest" opens up a little but don't be in the wrong place. At this level, this is no place for a swim. The holes on river right look nasty and the run-out becomes a continuous rapid.
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| Hydraulics | Looking upstream at "Blue Hole" |
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| Waiting for
"Play Hole" from the weekend 9-13-03, 9-14-03 900 cfs |
"Play Hole" |
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| Break | "Robins Nest" |
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5-24-03 |
Additional photos from
first run
4-27-03
972 cfs
(Click photo to enlarge)
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| Barnum Recreation Area | Downstream from a typical rapid |
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| Below "Robins Nest" |
