Hazard Warning: Hazard information may be user-submitted and unverified. Conditions change frequently. Always scout rapids and obstacles yourself.
Rapid VA Class III

Dam Drop

James - 5. Lower James through Richmond (VA)

Monitor this Rapid
Gauge Conditions
James River near Richmond, VA Upstream Primary
Runnable: 2.8 – 14.0 FT
Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
Dam Drop
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description

Continuing past Grumman and along the dam to the end of flat water. The dam grows to a height of 17ft. The dam can be run at the 10ft wide line just right of the canal intake. Best level is between 4ft and 6ft. This is a lot fun but it takes almost half of the total gradient in just 2 seconds. The drop can be scouted by getting out on a sandbar and walking the dam to the drop area. NOTE: This is a low head dam. At levels above 6ft the uniform hydraulic at the base becomes hazardous and this line should be avoided.

Location
Type
Rapid
Difficulty
Class III
Mile Marker
0.6 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
5. Lower James through Richmond
James
III-IV 2.5 mi
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater