Dan
0.3 Pinnacles Power Plant to Claudville(Kibler Valley)
| Difficulty | I-III |
| Length | 11.2 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 35 fpm |
| Gauge | Dan River Near Francisco, Nc |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 78 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | July 24, 2024 |
Projects
Townes Dam and Talbott Dam on the upper reaches of the Dan (a.k.a. Pinnacles of the Dan) River in Patrick County VA have severely impacted the Dan River for decades. These dams control flow on three stretches of river that range from Class II-V and if the river reaches [...]Read More
River Description
The Kibler Valley is a popular summer tailrace run beginning at the Pinnacles Powerplant downstream of Townes Reservoir. While the water is plenty cold during generation, it is not shockingly frigid like the Nantahala or nearby Smith River. Boaters are encouraged to call the powerplant (276-215-5141) for release schedule as there is rarely enough 'freestone' water to paddle without a major precipitation event. (See flow and gauge info). 7500kW is considered a minimum by most local paddlers.
There are several nice whitewater features near the top, and the narrow boulder-laden channel provides a few strong eddy lines, hidden rocks, and tricky currents. The river gradually gentles with each mile and significant rapids all but dissappear after 3 miles (4th bridge) under normal conditions. The lower segments attract large numbers of both recreational paddlers and tubers, particularly during hot weekends when water is released.
While the road follows the river very closely on the upper half of this run, much of the riverbank property is prominently posted against trespass. Please respect private property rights and only park in non-posted pulloffs. Paddler's can expect a mixed reception as some landowners will wave and smile while others think that paddling should be banned entirely on this stretch. Though the Danube Church is a well-known meeting spot, locals are requesting boaters not to keep vehicles in the parking lot. Simply pull out and park on the shoulder. -BLP Aug. 2014
As of June 2016, the 'public' campsites are not available for use.
Eric O'Connell provides (2003-10-12):
I ran Dan 'Creek', Saturday October 12 at 1:00. The Level was 152 CFS which is about 13cfs too low, however it still was a great class 2 with three rapids rating class 3. I took my girlfriend on this trip for her first river expedition and she had a blast. I recomend this trip for beginners and intermediates wanting to sharpen their skills.
...River Features
Powerplant
Main put-in during generation. Gates are locked at night and no cars should be parked here. Small parking spot just below gate.
Public Enemy # 2
Referred to simply as Public Enemy. This one comes up fast after a braided riffle. Easiest route begins in mid-channel and running slightly right of mid-current, but the eddy line is strong at times. A more adventurous line is the far left line 'slot', along the bank through small boulders. Depending on flow, a quick right turn is needed to avoid boulders as this line has been responsible for a few boat pins.
(Sammy's) Boof Rock
Not really a standalone rapid, but noteworthy as a fun feature and small playspot. To catch it, run far river right after the boulder jumble below the first bridge. There is a big eddy with good service running along a low cliff face. Decent for enders in short boats. A wave forms mid-channel during most runnable flows.
Basketball Falls
The is one everyone watches from the old basketball court. Just below the boof rock, work towards the middle and shoot down the lower end of the rapid. Good eddy on right side behind the boulder for rescue set-up or raft play. To avoid flipping, simply angle left of the boulder and paddle hard. Sliding into the rock on on accident pretty much guarantees a swim. Folks wanting to avoid the bigger rapids can put-in here via a small trail.
Island Rapid
Current is split by a large boulder on the upstream side of a small island. Rapid at the bottom. Left channel is deeper. Rapid can be avoided by taking the right channel, though a little shallow. A small surf ledge can be played in.
Cabin Rapid
Below 2nd bridge. Popular playspot.
Seven Stitches
Nice little wave to have fun in, just after the river opening under the powerline. Named in 'honor' of paddler Joanne Kizer who got a nice cut while playing in this spot back in '06. The narrow right side riffled channel can be run during most generations.
Junkyard Hole
Popular playspot behind Barnards store. Named after the numerous old cars that used to be visible, all cleaned up now. Last decent rapid before the main takeout.
Takeout - Danube Church
Please pull of the shoulder and avoid parking at the church (especially on Sundays). Small trail leads into river-left calm eddy.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportIt's a bit misleading to have the core description suggesting that at normal flows this river has multiple Class III rapids. II+ maybe, but not III (or even III-).
Whitewater SUP in Kibler Valley
The local paddling community has taken to calling the boof rock at Basketball, Sammy's Boof, in memory of a well-loved and long-time Kibler Valley boater.
'Blue' ferrying across tongue, 'yellow' and 'green' resting in the boulder eddy. This is a low level for playing as the wave was hard to catch.
275 cfs is a very bumpy level. If you can hit this stream with full release augmented by flow coming down the creek, I have heard that this is a lot of fun to run.
Release for the 2007 Kibler Valley River Run maxed out at approx 230 - 250 cfs. Way too low! Need more water!
From Morgan Nunn. i live on Kibler Valley road and i love my river i own it. its mine. i will never move away from my lifetime of tubing and swimming. this is my home. i know the hole Valley. when i am there i am at peace. Kibler Valley My Home
Appears to be good flow in this shot, washing out the boof. -BLP
James on Kibler
7500 kW release
You can call 276-251-5141 at the Powerhouse and they will let you know if they plan a release. They don't usually know far in advance. Call Friday for Saturday and then call again before driving up the day of the release because as they say, 'operational schedules are determined daily'.
7500 kW is a good minimum. More is better.