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

Thunderdome Wave

Potomac - 4. Sandy Beach/O-Deck to Anglers Inn (VA)

Monitor this Rapid
Gauge Conditions
Potomac River near Wash, DC Little Falls Pump Sta Downstream Primary
Runnable: 2.0 – 5.0 FT

Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
Thunderdome Wave
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description
Large wave just after the cliff ends below the MD side overlook. You will need a fast playboat/ rpm style boat to catch it. Very large bouncy wave. At 6.5 ft it is very possible to get a modern playboat on this wave, but it's hard.. This is the stakeout wave of the Potomac. It is surfable on the fly much higher than 7ft, it finally washes out too much to surfable in the low 9 ft range, any level below that and its good on the fly. The stated range only refers to the eddy service. If thunderdome is in scout from the overlook and you will find several big waves. This wave is always trashy and boily, surfs of more than 10 seconds are impressive and rare. Boats like rippers, with bow rocker will help a lot.
Levels: 6.4-7.2 ftBoat: RPM type, playboat
Location
Type
Playspot
Difficulty
Class V
Mile Marker
0.0 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
4. Sandy Beach/O-Deck to Anglers Inn
Potomac
II-III(IV) 2.2 mi
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater