Current Conditions for South Fork Shenandoah River
Updated For: | Tuesday, October 29, 2024 |
River Level: | NORMAL |
The River Level Is: | Falling Slowly |
River Temperature: | 54 degrees |
Clarity: | Dead Clear |
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. We are then closed for the season November 1st through March 31st opening back up April 1st, 2025.
The river level continues to slowly drop and has now settled in the lower part of our “NORMAL” range because the effects from Hurricane Helene have long since drained away. And no rain is forecast in the foreseeable future.
Be that as it may, Downriver Canoe Company is still open for canoeing, kayaking, and rafting every day through to the end of the month (through Thursday October 31st). The river is getting chilly (hypothermia alert), so make sure everyone wears their PFD’s all the time while on the water.
Weather for today calls for mostly sunny skies and a bit warmer with a high reaching near 70 degrees and calm. And it will stay sunny and warm Wednesday and Thursday to finish off the season.
Fishing was certainly impacted by the very high water levels from the effects of Hurricane Helene, and that coupled with the chilly water temperatures will diminish fishing action (but there are still good fishing days to be had). Trouble is, the fish get to choose which days, not you!
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.