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).

James River Conditions at Hatton Ferry
Average Depth = 3.4
Gathright Dam schedule of release as of 10/28/09: Lake elevation at 1564 (normal pool is around 1582 ft above sea level), release at 304cfs. See graph of the past week's river flow rates near Hatton Ferry.
Temp = 60°
Clarity = Clear
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. 1860
MPH (Est.) =1.5