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We are now OPEN and taking reservations for the 2010 season. We have added a new line of kayaks and tubes available for 2010 as well as added a new online store for our retail. Be sure to check out our link for used boats, gift certificates and all your favorite JRR gear!!

Spring hours may vary due to temperatures and conditions. Please call ahead to make sure we are in and running!!

Current conditions last updated 9:00 A.M. 3/9/10

 

Paddlers' ability may vary - we run when the river level is 5.8 feet (near 6000 cubic feet per second flow rate) or lower, as long as the combination of water temperature and forecasted air temperature will be 110 degrees or more, and as long as there is no impending severe weather. Rafting will run at slightly higher levels but requires 4 or 5 people per raft. Inner tubes will go out as long as the combination of air temperature and water temperature is at least 150 degrees and river levels are at or below 5.5 feet (up to 5.8 feet for strong swimmers only). The conditions listed below will inform the public of the possibility of equipment rentals on The James River.
River runners are forewarned that red conditions indicate high river flow periods or bad weather conditions and are advised to avoid river activities. Beginners and novices should avoid The James River whenever water temperatures go below 55 degrees and during the cold winter months.
NO jumping or diving on ANY trip and all participants MUST be capable swimmers. There is NO trespassing allowed on Rock Island (just downstream from Warren).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click here for link to Directions for those who have their own inner tubes and need to park.

Notice of disclaimer: The James River changes constantly and clarity,depth, etc. can be altered significantly after this report is issued. The reporter assumes no liability for the accuracy of the following condition report after it is released.
Blue = Lower than average levels...watch for rocks...shallow water! (Below 3.2 Feet)
NOTE: last trip goes at 1:30PM at Blue (or lower Green) levels, no rafts.
 Green = Average levels (3.2 to 4.8 Feet) No rafts below 3.5 Feet
Yellow = Above average H2O....CAUTION! Trips are faster. (4.9 to 5.9 Feet)
Red = High H2O, large volume, bad weather......NO GO! ( 6 Feet and above)

See James River level archives
Current conditions are Red (Average but Cold Water Levels)
Recreational water levels are optimal between 3.5 and 4.8 feet.
Click here for a view of the river today!

Rental Conditions
Now open for rentals subject to river levels, weather conditions, and water temperatures

Canoeing, Kayaking = Not Running
Rafting Conditions = Not Running
Tubing Conditions =Not Running
Fishing Conditions =Excellent

James River Conditions at Hatton Ferry
Average Depth = 5.8
Gathright Dam schedule of release as of 3/9/10: Lake elevation at 1582 (normal pool is around 1582 ft above sea level), release at 313cfs. See graph of the past week's river flow rates near Hatton Ferry.
Temp = 44°
Clarity = Clear/Green
Average CFS (a measure of volume as a result of flow in cubic feet per second, ie: width x depth x foot flow per second) = approx. 5900
MPH (Est.) =3.0
National Weather Service Weather Forecast

ALBEMARLE
900 AM EST TUE MAR 9 2010

.REST OF TODAY...SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE MID 60S. EAST WINDS AROUND
5 MPH...BECOMING SOUTHEAST THIS AFTERNOON.
.TONIGHT...MOSTLY CLOUDY. A CHANCE OF RAIN AFTER MIDNIGHT. LOWS IN
THE LOWER 40S. EAST WINDS AROUND 5 MPH...BECOMING NORTH AFTER
MIDNIGHT. CHANCE OF RAIN 50 PERCENT.
.WEDNESDAY...MOSTLY CLOUDY. A CHANCE OF RAIN...MAINLY IN THE
MORNING. HIGHS IN THE MID 60S. NORTHEAST WINDS AROUND 5 MPH...
BECOMING SOUTHEAST AROUND 5 MPH IN THE AFTERNOON. CHANCE OF RAIN
30 PERCENT.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 40 PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN.
LOWS IN THE MID 40S. EAST WINDS AROUND 5 MPH.
.THURSDAY...RAIN LIKELY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 50S. SOUTHEAST WINDS
AROUND 5 MPH. CHANCE OF RAIN 70 PERCENT.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...RAIN LIKELY. LOWS IN THE UPPER 40S. CHANCE OF RAIN
70 PERCENT.
.FRIDAY...MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 50 PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN. HIGHS IN
THE LOWER 60S.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...RAIN LIKELY. LOWS IN THE UPPER 40S. CHANCE OF RAIN
70 PERCENT.
.SATURDAY...RAIN LIKELY. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 60S. CHANCE OF RAIN
60 PERCENT.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS.
LOWS IN THE LOWER 40S.
.SUNDAY...PARTLY SUNNY WITH A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS. HIGHS IN
THE UPPER 50S.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE UPPER 30S.
.MONDAY...PARTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE MID 50S.
 


For general fishing information and reports: For top notch info on smallmouth fishing visit riversmallies.com !!

If you would like to see a picture of what the river looks like today, just