Potomac, North Fork of South Branch

5. Head of Hopeville Canyon to Hopeville(Hopeville Canyon)

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April 10, 2023

Hopeville Run at low flow

ReporterAnthony Daniel
Gauge Reading5.3 ft at N F SOUTH BRANCH POTOMAC RIVER AT CABINS, WV
FlowLow Flow

I ran the canyon 3x times easter weekend 2023 as part of a wvwa gathering. Levels were from 5.4 to 5.2 (lower end flows) .  Landslide rapid has a log  in the channel below where you enter on river left.  Also some rocks have shifted, which make the entrance move of entering left, hitting the micro eddy, and peeling out, more difficult.  The first run I pinned against the log, apparently there is some stuff below the surface as well.  Trying to wiggle off I flipped and swam.  On the 2nd run I was more successful running alongside the log.  The third time we walked.  This spot becomes more difficult as the water drops.

The 'dam' at the end of the trip has a log across the top.  'The crease' was clean and the routes around the main rapid (options on the right as you go around the bend) both went okay in April of 2023.

Hopeville Run at low flow – Hopeville Canyon | American Whitewater