Traveltimes of flood waves on the New River between Hinton and Hawks Nest, West Virginia

The New River Gorge National River's [a 51-mile segment of the New River between Hinton and Fayette (an abandoned community), W. Va. main attraction is a combination of scenic wilderness, fishing, cultural resources, and whitewater boating. However, recreational quality, safety, and use of the river depends in part upon the amount and fluctuations in streamflow, manmade and natural. During 1981 and 1982, the U.S. Geological Survey found that the flood wave travels at an average speed of 6.8 miles per hour when streamflow is 15,000 cubic feet per second and 3.5 miles per hour when streamflow is 2,200 cubic feet per second. Curves have been developed to estimate traveltimes between any two points within the National River jurisdiction.

The gaging station at Thurmond, installed as part of this study, can be called by telephone, (304) 465-0493, to determine river stage. The river stage can be converted to streamflow and traveltimes.