This reach could really be broken down into at least two distinct sections with very different characters. The lower portion can provide a relatively mellow creeking experience with class 3 flavor in some spots. The upper portion contains a tighter and steeper gorge that is closer to class 4, reminiscent of nearby Daugherty or Roaring creeks- questionable access and a constantly evolving wood situation mean that this upper section should only be attempted when in the company of a local that knows their way around.
Stream Gauge Project:
Friends of the Cheat (FOC) has installed an OTT RLS Stream Gauge near the mouth of Muddy Creek, close to the Cheat Fest Site. The stream gauge is similar to ones used by the USGS throughout the state, however it is maintained and managed by FOC. It measures stream stage (water level), as well as the following water quality parameters; pH, conductivity, DO and temperature. Eventually, the stream stage will be embedded in this page in place of the Big Sandy correlation that is currently used. For now, in order to view this gauge, follow this link: \*
https://www.cheat.org/our-work/mapping-monitoring-program/muddy-creek-gauge-live-data-stream/\* and click “Muddy Creek” on the left side of the page, and then click “RLS Level (ft)” in the resulting drop down menu. This link will also provide the opportunity to download an app. If you have any trouble accessing this gauge via mobile phone, some users may find it helpful to first access the link via wifi and download the app.
Flow data will be useful for folks paddling Muddy Creek and other nearby steep creeks (Daugherty, Roaring, and Elsey) that don't have gauge stations, but often run when Muddy Creek runs high. Other recreationalists will find the information useful as well. If you’d like to contribute to the development of runnability correlations, please e-mail your observations of runnable flows in Muddy Creek or other nearby creeks to
owen@cheat.org, and/or leave this feedback as a comment here. Please be sure to include date and time, as well as your interpretation of the flow, being as objective as possible.