Another correlation is to look for 4 to 6 feet on the Cootes Store gauge on the NF Shenandoah. There is a painted gauge on the Route 55 bridge, west side abutment. A level of 1 to 3 feet is good, though it can be run down to zero. The Lost River Dry Gorge is up only in the winter, spring or after a prolonged wet period. Because of this, the riverbed is mostly dry much of the year.
Strainers can be a problem.
In April 2001, one rapid was half blocked on the right, but the strainer was easily avoided. Line up with jet current flushing through culverts under the bridge or run the drop on the far right into a rocky channel. Portage and scout on the right. The rapid is a steep chute featuring offset holes and squirrely current. Run center left working right to avoid a large boulder at the bottom center.