West River
🏔 Scenic River
Windham Co. · 36 mi · Class II–IV
423CFS/ 5.48 ft
Optimal
→Stable
Optimal: 400–1500 CFS · USGS #01155500
⚡Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
36 mi
Length
Class II–IV
Difficulty
400–1500 cfs
Optimal
680 cfs
Avg Flow
610 cfs
Hist. Median
#01155500
USGS Gauge
Army Corps Ball Mountain Dam Recreation Area · Vermont Scenic River candidate

Vermont's premier dam-release whitewater classic. The West River below Ball Mountain Dam delivers powerful Class II–IV rapids during scheduled fall releases that draw paddlers from across the Northeast. The annual West River Race is one of the oldest whitewater competitions in America.

Trip sections
Ball Mountain Dam to Jamaica — Class III–IV, the release run
Jamaica to Brattleboro — Class I–II, lower river
Outfitters
Vermont Canoe & Kayak
West River release weekends, rentals and shuttles
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.