08/17/2026
Our whitewater rivers are typically in a transitional phase of flow. Laminar flow happens when a fluid moves in smooth parallel layers, with no mixing, eddies, or swirls. Turbulent flow is when a fluid moves in a chaotic, irregular path with rapid change in speed and pressure. The water is in a constant shift between laminar and turbulent flow, and the transitional phases of Laminar to turbulent flow and transitioning from turbulent back to laminar. Here we see the distinct layers crossing over each other.