Water You Up To?
Latest
Read the full report: April 17, 2026
🟡 Recreation
- River levels are low across all sections
- Shallow spots are increasing, especially near Strasburg
- Flow is slower, expect longer float times
- More dragging and walking boats in some areas
- Still floatable, but not ideal conditions
🟡 River
- Dissolved oxygen remains in a healthy range
- Flow continues to drop across all gages
- Lower water levels are reducing available habitat
- Conditions are stable now, but stress is building
- Seasonal pressure is showing up earlier than expected
🔴 Drought
- 100% of Shenandoah and Rockingham counties are in drought
- Severe drought is increasing in both counties
- Groundwater levels are declining again
- Virginia indicators show emergency levels for flow and groundwater
- Dry conditions are widespread across the region
Every week, we break down North Fork river conditions in plain English so you know what is happening on, in, and around the water before the weekend.
We use river gage data, groundwater monitoring, drought indicators, and water quality observations to create each weekly update.