Waites Run

We ran 2.5 miles today, at a level of 200 cfs (4.65). That seems to be a pretty ideal level for non-experts, as it is neither pushy nor bony (although Jim Long wishes there had been more water). There was some wood in the creek, but no river-wide strainers. This section is class III, with an 80 ft/mile average gradient. We put in where a small tributary joins, in a pool at the base of a 4-foot, 2-step ledge, and took out at the public park (about a mile above US55) where there was easier access than further down. It was an enjoyable trip, at a time when most nearby rivers were too high (the Lost was 6 feet). We didn't put in higher up because from the road we could see quite a number of strainers there.
I have measured the gradient from the topo map (Wardensville). Starting at Pond Run, the gradient for the first four miles is 150, 130 (with lots of braiding), 120, and 100 ft/mile. The next 2.5 miles, which we ran, average 80 ft/mile, and the final mile down to US55 is 45 ft/mile. From there it is just a quarter mile to the Cacapon, but there is no take out for a long way.
The gauge is about midway down the creek. The posted minimum of 80 cfs is way too low for most of the run. At 200 cfs, we were fine on the lower part, but the upper part looked bony, especially where it braided. On the other hand, the posted maximum of 1500 cfs is dangerously high, given the risk of strainers. I would recommend ranges of about 250-600 cfs for the upper half of the creek, and 120-400 cfs for the lower half.