South Branch of the Potomac
Upper Smokehole Canyon
4-19-03
Below US 220 Bridge (North of Upper Tract) to Big Bend Campground
9 Miles
Class: 2(3)
Gauge: I have found information stating that the Petersburg gauge should be between 3 ft. and 5 ft. (2.5 ft. TO 5.5 ft @ Franklin)
When we ran it, the level was 4 ft. (2.9 @ Franklin). Great level.
Click photo to enlarge
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Upper Canyon 1 |
Upper Canyon 2 |
Lower Smokehole Canyon
4-19-03 TO 4-20-03
Big Bend Campground to below US 220 Bridge (South of Petersburg)
16 Miles
Class 1-2(3)
Gauge: Information states that the Petersburg Gauge should be between 3 ft. and 6 ft. (2.5 ft. to 5.5 ft. @ Franklin)
We started the run with a reading of 4 ft. (2.9 ft. @ Franklin). When we took out, the stage was 3.6 ft. (2.75 ft. @ Franklin). These levels were sufficient.
Topographic Maps
compliments of Andy
PDF format
Click photo to enlarge
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| Lower Canyon | King Queen Joker (Lower Canyon) |
Additional photos
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Ran the Lower Canyon 6-1-02 to 6-2-02.
When we put in, the level was slightly under 3 ft. During the trip, the river
continued to drop. The run was scrapy.
Ran the Lower Canyon 5-26-01 to 5-27-01.
We started with a reading of 4.5 ft. When we took out, the stage was 4.2 ft.
At these levels, the rapids in the Canyon were characterized by river wide wave
trains. Standing waves were as large as 2 1/2 feet. After the North Fork
entered, the rivers volume doubled. Some waves crested at 3 ft.
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The Trough
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