In Harrisonburg, only the core axis of the syncline is visible, and the Massanutten ridge is a singular stretch. In this northern portion, Signal and Richardson knobs reveal a view of the limbs of the syncline, which are parallel and of equal size. Between the ridges is the synclinal Fort Valley, accessible from Front Royal. 7.0 Beneath 66,the South Fork of the Shenandoah River flows between wide banks, and its berth provides excellent contrast to the less massive North Fork, visible beneath Route 81 at mile marker 269.2 . Understanding why the river is more massive in this region is an essential for anyone who enjoys the fabulous boating available in Virginia.
Dominant discharge relates the ability of rivers to carry water.
As elevation and gradient increase, dominant discharge decreases. That is, rivers tend to carry less water in steeper and more mountainous places. As the diagram illustrates, steeper slopes means fewer meanders, less room for large volumes of water. Also, the treelike, or dendritic, pattern in higher elevations shows how several small streams converge to form fewer but larger rivers. Boaters looking for challenges in the spring flood months often raid the rivers and streams in higher elevations.