When the USGS gauge reads 2.56', she will be running @ 0".
The USGS gauge for Gooney can be accessed below.

Also, data is listed below for gauge correlation
between the painted gauge on the bridge and USGS gauge.

When the USGS gauge reads:
2.44' Gooney will be 2" below 0".
2.56' Gooney will be running at 0"
2.60' Gooney will be running at +1/2"
2.73' Gooney will be running at +1"
2.80' Gooney will be running at +3"
2.90' Gooney will be running at +5"
2.97' Gooney will be running at +6"
4.10' Gooney will be running at +18"
Note - The above data may not be perfect. The levels
are being collected for future analysis.


When Gooney is running and if you happen to
check the level at the put-in,
send me an e-mail with the reading along with the date
and time of the reading.


The USGS gauge for Gooney can be accessed below.

Here!

If Gooney comes up again, and you decide to run
it, bring a bow saw for any strainers that
you may encounter.


Gonney ran approximately 34 times so far in 2003.

Gooney ran two times in 2002.

Gooney ran four times in 2001.

Gooney ran seven times in the year of 2000.

Gooney ran approximately four times in
1999 and approximately 30 times in 1998.


The rain gauges for Gooney's water shed are
located on Hogback Mountain and at Browntown.
Follow the link below.

The gauge is located on the bridge at Rt. 622 and 649
which is the put-in. Note: O" is the minimal level for
canoes. The cut off level for an open boat is around
+1'6" [+18 inches] in my opinion.


The gauge at the take-out under the 340 bridge is not
accurate. Changes in the creek bed and water backing
up from the South Fork of the Shenandoah are responsible
for the inaccuracy.





In case you are wondering how often this
web site is updated, here is the way it
works. When we have a good rain I
drive out to the put in and view the gauge.
If the creek is 0” or above the level is
posted on the web site within 30 minutes.

When the creek is not running I do not
continuously change the date on the site.

If the area is having a good rain and the
forecast calls for more of the same, I may
check the level during the day and at 9:00
or 10:00 p.m. and update the site after
each check. This will give you an idea of
the level for planning a trip. Usually an
early morning reading is also posted.

There may be times that I will be out of
town or involved in something and the site
will be neglected but, not often.






Gooney Creek is a honest class 3 or 4 run;
there are some rapids that can drown even the best
paddler. If you elect to run this stream you must
have the proper skill level to negotiate the many
rapids. I have seen experienced paddlers have serious
problems on this creek, including myself. This stream
requires that all safety precautions be taken and
that you have a paddler with previous runs to lead
you down. A run on this creek always involves
dealing with strainers, some are in heavy water
with no warning and no where to go in order to
avoid the hazard. Strainers are plentiful and
can be created whenever the wind blows or the
ground gives way to a leaning tree. Some of the
rapids have rocks that are under-cut that are
capable of swallowing you and/or your boat in a
split second. If you decide to run this creek,
be careful.
Stephen G Marchi

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