Whitewater Scale of Difficulty

This scale rates a rapid by the level of skill needed to navigate its obstacles and to survive an accidental swim.

• CLASS I : EASY. Moving water with small waves, few obstructions, easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers slight; self rescue is easy.
• CLASS II: NOVICE. Straight forward rapids, wide clear channels easy to maneuver without scouting. Swimmers are seldom injured and self rescue is easy for individuals in good physical condition.
• CLASS III: INTERMEDIATE. Rapids with moderately sized, irregular waves that may be difficult to avoid and can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current demand good boat control in tight passages or around ledges. Scouting is a must for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming can occur but are rare, self rescue relatively easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims.
• CLASS IV: ADVANCED. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. May feature large unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. Scouting advised for all parties first time down each season as routes change due to varying water levels. Risk to swimmers is moderate to high and water conditions may make self rescue difficult. Group assisted rescue essential to avoid injury and long swims.
• CLASS V: EXPERTS ONLY. Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to increased risk. Swims are dangerous and often difficult even for expert paddlers.