Trip Leader Information

GRADING

Rivers are graded from CLASS I to Class VI in order of their increasing difficulty as shown below:

INTERNATIONAL SCALE OF RIVER DIFFICULTY
(If rapids on a river generally fit into one of the following classifications, but the water temperatures is below 50° F, or if the trip is an extended trip in a wilderness area, the river should be considered one class more difficult than normal.)

Moving water with a few riffles and small waves. Few or no obstructions.

Easy rapids with waves up to 3 feet, and wide clear channels that are obvious without scouting. Some maneuvering is required.

Rapids with high irregular waves often capable of swamping an open canoe. Narrow passages that often require complex maneuvering. May require scouting from shore.

Long, difficult rapids with constricted passages that often require precise maneuvering in very turbulent waters. Scouting from shore is often necessary, and conditions make a rescue difficult. Generally not possible for open canoes. Boaters in decked canoes and kayaks should be able to roll.

Extremely difficult, long, and very violent rapids wit highly congested routes which nearly always must be scouted from shore. Rescue conditions are difficult are difficult and there is significant hazard to life in the event of a mishap. Ability to Eskimo roll is essential for kayaks and canoes.

Difficulties of Class V carried to the extreme of navigability. Nearly impossible and very dangerous. For teams of experts only, after close study and all precautions taken.