|
Waterfall and River Terminology
|
 |
| Hooker Falls, Dupont State Forest, NC |
|
|
Block -
A wide flow of water across the whole creek or river
Example - Hooker Falls, Dupont State Forest, Transylvania County, North Carolina
|
 |
| Green River cataracts |
|
|
Catarrach
High volume of water flowing very fast in shallow water of rivers. The river often has boulders.
Example: Upper Green River, Green River Game Preserve, Polk County, NC
|
 |
| Lower Linville Falls |
|
| Fan
Falls widens at the base
Example: Lower Linville Falls, Pisgah National Forest, Burke County, NC
|
 |
| Shunuwauken Falls |
|
| Horseetail
Water spreads horizontally as it descends while remaining in contact
with bedrock.
Example: Upper Shunuwauken Falls, White Oak Mountain, Polk County, NC
|
 |
| Dry Falls, Nantahala National Forest, Macon County, NC |
|
| Plunge
Free fall from top of falls to the base
Example: Dry Falls, Nantahala National Forest, Macon County, NC
|
 |
| Green River Rapids |
|
| Rapids
Generally less than five foot drop with turbulent flow. Rated from Class I (easy) to Class VI (unraftable)
Example: Green River, Green River Game Preserve, Polk County, NC
|
 |
| Cullasaja Falls, Nantahala National Forest, Macon County, NC |
|
| Segmented
Parallel drops with several streams over the same ledge side by side
Example: Cullasaja Falls, Nantahala National Forest, Macon County, NC
|
 |
| Coal Mill Shoals, Dupont State Forest, Transylvania County, NC |
|
| Shoal
Stretch of shallow water, often over bedrock
Example: Coal Mill Shoals, Dupont State Forest, Transylvania County, NC
|
 |
| upper portion of Lower Linville Falls, Pisgah National Forest, Burke County, NC |
|
| Sluice or Chute
Constricted passage, usually between rock
Example: top portion of Lower Linville Falls, Pisgah National Forest, Burke County, NC
|
 |
| Little Bradley Falls, Polk County, NC |
|
| Tiered
Multiple drops over several sections
Example: Little Bradley Falls, Green River Game Preserve, Polk County, NC
|
 |
| lower portion of Bridal Veil Falls |
|
| Waterslide
Water glides down rock slabs in thin sheets
Example: Lower portions of Bridal Veil Falls, Dupont State Forest, Transylvania County, NC
|
|