Buffalo Creek (Elk trib)
2. Cressmont to Clay
| Difficulty | I-II |
| Length | 9.1 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 15 fpm |
| Gauge | Elk River Below Webster Springs, Wv |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 4.36 ftbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | October 27, 2020 |
River Description
There is a large concrete culvert bridge shortly below the confluence of Lilly Fork and about one mile from the confluence of the Elk River. The river-left vehicle approach to this bridge has been washed out and there is a twisty 4-5 foot drop among the boulders with no danger of rebar. This is also a suitable take-out since the scenery and gradient downstream to Clay is minimal.
River Features
Put In
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportagree about taking out at the ballfield near the breached dam rather than in Clay. The breach has grown wider and easier with each flood. This is a scenic and great class II run for a newbie when everything else starts to blow out (high water) and you are looking for something easy. Birch river usgs gauge needs to be above 6 ft for this to not be scrapey. The town of Clay is developing a rail trail along the creek. link to video which shows class II rapids and pretty cliffs
https://youtu.be/tBYarWQPnJM
this stream was hit hard by the 2016 flood. The river bed is somewhat 'scoured'. Trees were bent over and snapped along both shores for most of the eight miles. A better gauge to use is the USGS Herold gauge located on the BirchRriver (but not currently linked to AW) . Buffalo creek typically runs if the Birch River is at least 5 feet at Herold.
the culvert dam has gotten easier and more open since the flood, stay left of center and you'll see multiple lines to run