Potomac
3. Great Falls (Fish Ladder)
May 9, 2023
fishladder phlox
| Reporter | David Suitts |
| Gauge Reading | 4.6 ft at POTOMAC RIVER NEAR WASH, DC LITTLE FALLS PUMP STA |
| Flow | Too High |
Can’t imagine choosing to descend Fishladder with anywhere near 16,000 cfs at Little Falls station. The worrying crux at bottom of Third Slide looks marginal at best, with very serious consequences for any except the tightest of lines. Going into Back Canyon could be disastrous; also noteworthy is a hydraulic that forms downstream alongside Fifth Slide.