Hazard Warning: Hazard information may be user-submitted and unverified. Conditions change frequently. Always scout rapids and obstacles yourself.
Portage MD Class V+

Third Slide

Potomac - 3. Great Falls (Fish Ladder) (MD)

Monitor this Rapid
Gauge Conditions
Potomac River near Wash, DC Little Falls Pump Sta Downstream Primary
Runnable: 3.5 – 4.7 FT

Big and fast. 2nd and 3rd slides deserve extra respect. good level for Bitch Monkey and it's rowdy in the Back Canyon. Experienced, solid boaters only

Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
Third Slide
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description

Below the Second Slide a footbridge crosses the Fish Ladder and the current splits again around a bridge pylon. To the left of the pylon is the Third Slide of Fishladder,  and tumbling over an artificial ledge to the right is the Back Canyon. If you run the Third Slide it is critical to keep left angle as you either punch through the V wave, or take the safe line on the far left. The primary danger is getting deflected to the right over 'Bitch Monkey', a chaotic drop into the Back Canyon.  

Location
Type
Portage
Difficulty
Class V+
Mile Marker
0.4 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
3. Great Falls (Fish Ladder)
Potomac
IV-V(V+) 0.4 mi
Portage recommended — Scout before running and consider carrying around this feature.
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater