Can you swim here today?
South Branch Potomac River Beach
Romney, West Virginia · Public beach
Use caution — flow is well above normal for this date
Use cautionAs of October 20, 2026, USGS gauge 01604500, 4.1 miles away, reports a streamflow of 54 ft³/s near South Branch Potomac River Beach but no water-temperature reading.
Use caution — flow is well above normal for this date: live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby.
- Live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby. — USGS gauge 01604500, as of Oct 20, 6:30 AM gauge-local time
- Flow is above the 75th percentile for Oct 20 (median 16 ft³/s over 88 years); fast water is the top river-drowning risk. — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Oct 20, 6:30 AM gauge-local time
Flow is high for this date — above the 75th percentile for Oct 20 (median 16 ft³/s over 88 years).
No official beach-advisory feed for West Virginia yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge PATTERSON CREEK NEAR HEADSVILLE, WV (4.1 mi away), as of Oct 20, 6:30 AM gauge-local time.
Before you get in
- Never swim alone — and keep weaker swimmers within arm's reach.
- Scout depth and entry/exit points before you get in.
- Read the current: avoid fast, rising, or murky water.
- Check the forecast — get out well before storms or lightning.
- Obey posted signs, flags, and lifeguard guidance.
Read next
Conditions are for general information only and can change quickly. Always judge the water in person and follow posted advisories and local guidance before swimming or paddling.