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

Plaid Falls

French Broad, West Fork - SR 1309 Bridge to US 64 Bridge (NC)

Gauge Conditions
Runnable: 350.0 – 1,000.0 CFS

Upper limit for best boatability uncertain. Please help your fellow boaters with a comment or report.

Photo
Plaid Falls
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description
Long, 25' slide with a fin of rock bisecting the flow. Run right of the fin, and drive right before the final 5' slide, as there is a log laying off the left bank about halfway across the river, in the hole. As of October 2004, there was a blowdown off the right bank hanging into the slide about halfway down. It is still possible to run the slide, but a severe lashing is a definate possibility, as is impalement or straining. The water at the top wants to push you right, away from the fin, into the blowdown. There's only ~4 feet of blue sky between the tree and the fin. Scout or begin the heinous portage on the right. Bring your rope and sticky shoes.
Location
Type
Hazard
Difficulty
Class V
Mile Marker
0.8 mi
Directions
View Full Run
SR 1309 Bridge to US 64 Bridge
French Broad, West Fork
IV-V 2.5 mi
Hazard — Exercise extreme caution in this area.
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater