Russell Fork, VA

Climax (box move)

Climax (box move)
Photo of Mike Clark by Gerald DeLong taken 10/13/02 @ 880cfs

Gauge Information

River Description

The Russell Fork is one of the classic Class V creek runs in the United States. The river is run year round and relies on a combination of natural flow and dam release from the Flanagan Reservoir on the Pound River. Every October, the Corp of Engineers draws the reservoir down over 4 weekends, putting anywhere from 800-1100 cfs into the Russell. Paddlers from all over the world converge on the Breaks to sample the awsome whitewater, reputation and sheer beauty of the 1600ft gorge.

While best known for its extreme push and danger in October, many are running the Fork at much lower flows. Below around 400cfs, the gorge is a good Class IV+ creek run. Extremely technical, but the pool/drop nature of the stream bed allows time to regroup between rapids and time to take in the incredible canyon. There are a couple of Class V drops at lower water, but they can easily be snuck or portaged.

Levels: Here are the flow ranges:
150-250--ELF, but very enjoyable in the main gorge. Great level to see the 'cave' under El Horrendo.
250-350--Low Flow, but good padding! GREAT first time level for the solid Class III/IV creeker.
350-600--Medium Level. The teeth are coming out, more pronounced holes, but good lines all the way through.
600-750--Other than extreme high water, the TOUGHEST levels. Lines are kinda in between the medium and high water lines at all the big rapids. Not for the squeamish.
800-1100--Release range, solid Class V creeking. Pushy, very technical, but very pronounced lines. A bit easier than the level below...
1100-1600--Getting on the extreme upper end...VERY PUSHY and VERY BIG HOLES. Hair boaters only!

The highest confirmed kayak run in the gorge is around 2200-2300cfs. Neither boater volunteered to run that level again. The upper and lower sections have been run up to 10,000cfs.

See also the Russell Fork,KY and Pound River,VA

For more great Russell Fork photos and information, check out the Russell Fork Info.