How to use this site

This is where the help is. Click the links below to skip to specific topics. Anywhere on the website that you see the    symbol, you can click it to pop open a window with additional information.

• Browsing the Database
• Searching
• Status Icons
• Information Icons
• Waterfall Names
• Waterfall Details
• Waterfall Types
• Maps, Location, and Directions
• The Rating System

Browsing the Database

The data contained in the World Waterfall Database is segregated primarily along geopolitical divisions, so the primary method of deliniation will be to search by Country, and then optionally further geographic subdivisions within each respective country where applicable. For countries which have a significant number of waterfalls, we will generally have the option of searching by first and sometimes second-level geopolitical divisions; for example in the United States, we will further subdivide based on State boundaries, and then County boundaries within each state as is appropriate. There are two primary ways to browse the data in this fashion.

Browsing using the Map

Theasiest way to visually browse the database is to use the Map tool. Select a country from the dropdown menu found ove and to the left of the map window and all of the waterfalls we currently have recorded with geodata will be displayed in the window. For countries with a significant number of waterfalls, you may be required to select a subdivision of that country first in order to ensure the map window doesn't get overloaded.

Browsing the Waterfall lists

Starting on the Countries page, you can select any country known to (possibly) harbor waterfalls. Currently not all of our data has been published online, so many countries may not have any entries associated with them. In such situations, or where the data may be incomplete, you will see one of the following error messages to call this situation to attention:

For the countries where this is the case, check back in the future - we're always adding new data.

Additionally, at the top of every List page will be a button to link to the associated Waterfall Map for the country or region in question. Clicking on that button will take you to the Map view for that country. You can also correspondingly access the List view from the Map page when the menu bar is present.

Tallest and Largest Waterfall Lists

World's Tallest Waterfalls

We currently maintain three distinct lists which order the tallest waterfalls on the planet, using three distinct different metrics which are broken down as follows:

Tallest Waterfalls based on Overall Height

This list will include all types of waterfalls - that means free-falls, cascades, and falls along seasonal or ephemeral streams, regardless of what characteristics they may or may not possess, which have a total vertical drop of over 500 feet (152 meters).

Tallest Waterfalls based on its Tallest Single Drop

This list is meant to single out waterfalls based on the height of its tallest single step. For waterfalls which only have one step, the total height would then be counted. This list will include all types of waterfalls, including cascades and less-than-vertical falls.

Tallest Waterfalls counting only Free-falling Drops

This list is meant to single out waterfalls which conform to the classic stereotype of a free-falling waterfall (think Yosemite National Park's seminal Bridalveil Fall). Waterfalls will be included on this list only when their pitch - the angle at which the water drops - exceeds 80 degrees (we account for less than a true 90 degree angle due to the nature of water to not fall truly straight down). For waterfalls with more than one step, only the height of the tallest free-falling step will be counted here.

World's Largest Waterfalls

We currently maintain four distinct lists which order the largest waterfalls on the planet, using two distinct metrics and two additional modifiers which are broken down as follows:

Largest Waterfalls based on its Average Width

This list will include all types of waterfalls which we have confirmed to have an average width, as measured along the length of the crest (top) of the falls, of over 500 linear feet (152m). For waterfalls which fluctuate greatly in width throughout the year, we will attempt to take an average of a measurement during known high and low periods. There are a considerable number of waterfalls around the world which belong on this list which we do not currently have enough information about.

Largest Waterfalls based on its Average River Volume

This list will include all types of waterfalls which we have confirmed to occur along rivers which exhibit an average flow rate (discharge) over the falls of at least 5,000 cubic feet of water per second. The data we use for this metric may often be estimated and can be considerably inaccurate on a case-by-case basis. Where we have access to stream gauges, we will try to average the readings over a 12-month period. There are a considerable number of waterfalls around the world which belong on this list which we do not currently have enough information about.

Largest Waterfalls based on its Average River Volume, excluding entries classified as either Rapids, or marked as Disqualified

This list will be functionally the same as above, however it will excude the entries in our database which have been determined to be features which qualify as Rapids rather than true Waterfalls, as well as those which we have marked with a Disqualified status. Typically most Rapids will be marked as Disqualified, however there may be some exceptions. Other entries which are marked as Disqualified include permanently dry waterfalls which were once known to flow with considerable volume.

Largest Waterfalls based on its Average Width, excluding entries marked as Inundated

This list will be functionally the same as above, however it will instead excude waterfalls which are known to have been submerged beneath lakes or reservoirs due to the impoundment of their streams or rivers behind dams. This situation applies to a number of what were the most voluminous and noteworthy waterfalls on earth which have been inundated over the last 50-75 years.

Searching

Currently our Search tool is only able to search using the name of a waterfall, so searching for "Silver Falls" will return results for all waterfalls with that name, however a search for "Silver Falls State Park" will not return any results. We hope to add in full text searching at some point in the future, but for now to ensure we can maintain consistent functionality, we've left it more or less unchanged. The search tool can be found at the top of any page.

Status Icons

The rainbow-colored icons you will see both throughout the website and used on the maps is designed to function as a thumbnail reference to the level of information available for each waterfall, which we refer to as its Status. A full breakdown of the different Statuses we use is as follows:

	Cataloged Waterfalls which are Cataloged we have visited and surveyed in person. Statistical information should be quite accurate (for the most part), and exact measurements will often be available (information is not guaranteed to always be up to date). Detailed information, directions, and photographs will almost always be available.
	Confirmed Confirmed Waterfalls are known to exist, should be relatively accurately mapped and geotagged, and the statistical information available will often be dependable. If height information is presented, it may be estimated but should be accurate. Directions will not likely be available.
	Unconfirmed Unconfirmed Waterfalls are often marked on a published map, but we have yet to confirm the exact location and / or whether or not its stature is significant enough to qualify for listing in the database. Statistical information may be estimated and may be inaccurate. No directions.
	Unknown Waterfalls marked as Unknown are either suspected to exist based on heresay or a hunch, or we have received unverified information suggesting a waterfall may exist near the location provided but cannot corroborate it in any way. Geodata may not be accurate, the location may not be known at all, and statistical information will be estimated and highly inaccurate.
	Inundated Inundated Waterfalls have been submerged beneath lakes or reservoirs, usually a result of impoundment of a river behind a dam, and most often no longer functionally exist (there may be rare exceptions). We maintain records for these features out of historical importance.
	Subterranean Though not common, some waterfalls can be found entirely underground within cave systems. Access to subterranean waterfalls can vary from easy via developed walkways to requiring a high level of extremely technical spelunking skill, including familiarity with ropework and a distinct lack of claustrophobia.
	Disqualified Waterfalls which have been marked as Disqualified do not have the necessary stature or features to qualify as a legitimate waterfall according to our criteria. We will maintain records for entries with this status where the feature is well known and / or may have been historically referred to as a waterfall at some point in time.
	Posted Posted Waterfalls are known to exist, and we may have a large amount of information associated with them, but are located on private property and are not legally accessible to the general public. Accessing waterfalls with this status should not be attempted without first being explicitly granted permission of the property owner.

Information Icons

In addition to the Status icons, you will see at least two additional icons accompanying any waterfall which we have visited and cataloged (and sometimes for waterfalls which we haven't visited) - these will be visible on the list pages, as well as at the top-right corner of any given waterfall's page, above the Ratings box. These icons are meant to quickly illustrate the method of access used to reach a given waterfall, and the difficulty of doing so. The breakdown works as follows:

Access icons

	Roadside Indicates that the waterfall is located within eyesight of a road, and requires little to no effort to view. It may be necessary to walk a few dozen yards to obtain a clear view, but should be at least partially visible without getting out of your car.
	4WD Vehicle Indicates that though not necessarily required, having a high clearance vehicle with 4-wheel drive capability is thoroughly recommended in order to access. The waterfall will be situated more or less adjacent to the road.
	Day Hike Indicates that visiting the waterfall will require a short to moderate hike along an established trail. Distances can vary and will be reflected by the difficulty, but will generally not be longer than 10 miles in length.
	Multi-day Hike Indicates that hiking long distances will be required in order to view the waterfall. Backcountry camping is recommended (and potentially required, depending on the visitor's strength) in order to properly view and visit the waterfall. There is no limit to hike length for this designation.
	Bushwhack Indicates that off-trail or cross-country travel without the aid of an established trail is necessary to access the waterfall. Distance isn't a factor, but will be reflected in the associated difficulty rating. Bushwhacks of over 1/2-mile will generally be rated at least Moderate difficulty.
	Watercraft Indicates that in order to view the waterfall, the visitor will need to pilot or charter a watercraft of some kind. Depending on the watercourse involved, it may be powered or non-powered as necessity and regulations dictate. Waterfalls visible from public water transportation such as Ferrys will be noted.

Difficulty icons

	Easy Access Accessing a waterfall with this designation requires little to no effort. If walking is necessary, a well graded trail is provided. Usually not over a mile from the road.
	Moderate Access Accessing a waterfall with this designation entails a moderate degree of effort. Moderately steep trails, light to moderate underbrush and lack of safety barriers may be present. Hikes may by up to 10 miles in length.
	Difficult Access Accessing a waterfall with this designation entails potentially long distance hiking, substantial elevation gain and/or steep grades, bushwhacking through thick brush (at a slow pace), dangerous and uneven terrain, steep drop offs, and crumbly unstable ground. Hikes can be of any length.
	Not Recommended / No Public Access Accessing a waterfall with this designation is not recommended. Expect steep, dangerous terrain, precarious viewpoints, swift stream fords, scrambling up cliff faces, and potential glacier travel. Not suitable for any but the most experienced. Waterfalls marked with this icon may also be closed to public access (this will generally be indicated with a Posted Status - see above).

Miscellaneous icons

These icons are optional and will only appear when the necessary conditions are met by a given waterfall.

	Accessible This icon denotes that the access to the waterfall should more or less be easy for those with disabilities. We can't guarantee that all waterfalls marked with this icon are fully ADA accessible, but with few exceptions, where this icon is displayed expect trails and viewpoints for the waterfalls in question to be paved or at least graded well enough to allow wheelchairs to manage.
	Swimming A good swimming hole can be found either at this waterfall, or in the immediate vicinity, when the stream or river is flowing at normal or low levels. Always be cautious about current strength, and use good judgment if you decide to swim at a waterfall.

Waterfall Names

The primary convention used for identifying waterfalls in this database is geographical coordinates and a uniquely identifying number, however as this method is not a good method of reference, being able to label a waterfall by name is the preferred method of designation. As with the World Waterfall Database, we use five naming conventions to denote the origin and recognition of the name of any given waterfall:

Official Name

Waterfalls with this designation have a name which is recognized by some type of governing body, such as the United States Geologic Survey, the National Park Service, National Forest Service, Department of Fish and Wildlife, or any other similar federal organization, City, County or State governing body or administration where presidence has been set in usage. Very often waterfalls with official names are listed on USGS Topographic maps, and on tourism literature.

Historical Name

Waterfalls with this designation had a name which was adopted and in common usage at one point in time, but may have otherwise fallen out of the common vernacular. Waterfalls with multiple different historically recognized names are not uncommon. In this situation, the oldest name takes precident unless a second name has a more established usage. If a waterfall with this designation is officially recognized under a different name by the USGS, the historical name is usually over-ridden.

Colloquial Name

Waterfalls with this designation have a name which is used in regionally or locally specific areas, or has been unofficially adopted by the outdoor recreation community through common usage (such as from citation in hiking guide books). These names are not recognized by any sort of governing body, but are commonly enough used that they aren't seen as obscure references.

Proposed Name

Waterfalls with this designation have a name which has specifically been proposed for colloquial usage on part of either the World Waterfall Database or the World Waterfall Database. These names are not in the process of being adopted in any sort of official way, but are instead designed to possibly be elevated to common usage through further discussion and awareness.

Unofficial Name

Waterfalls with this designation have no specific naming applied in any functional way, and are meant to function purely as a working title for easier reference. The names we present as Unofficial are subject to change at a whim, and may change several times pending on further discovered waterfalls in the area or along the same stream.

Waterfall Details

When viewing a page with the details pertaining to any given waterfall, a table will be shown on the right side of the page listing several distinct "counting" type statistics and figures for the waterfall. This is meant to help identify and clarify the physical aspects of the waterfall for comparative purposes. While we try to ensure this information is as accurate as possible, sometimes it will prove necessary to either estimate or flat out guess at certain characteristics where either enough information isn't readily available, is not known, or we were not able to confirm a given trait upon surveying. This information may be changed at any given time to ensure accuracy.

Total Height

The Total Height listed for the waterfall represents the difference in elevation from the top of the uppermost drop, to the bottom of the lowermost drop of the waterfall, including all stretches of interstitial stream in between. Stream between two tiers of a waterfall is counted in its overall height regardless of whether or not that section of the stream would be legitimately considered a waterfall on its own right, were it to be isolated. Waterfalls with only one drop will of have the height of only the single drop listed here.

Tallest Drop

The Tallest Drop figure represents the height of the largest single drop within a multi-stepped waterfall. Waterfalls with only one drop will have the total height of the waterfall repeated here.

Num of Drops

The Number of Drops in a waterfall is a tally of the total number of distinct drops which make up the waterfall. Stretches of interstitial stream in between two or more distinct drops of a single waterfall are NOT considered to be distinct drops of the waterfall unless the section of stream in question would otherwise qualify as a waterfall were it to be isolated.

Avg Width

The Average Width of the waterfall represents the breadth of the waterfall from bank to bank under typical flow conditions, or if the waterfall has been Cataloged, under the conditions which it was most thoroughly surveyed. Often this number will be approximated because of a lack of approachability to many waterfalls. We often utilize Google Earth to measure the width (where imagery is of sufficient quality and resolution to allow it.

Maximum Width

Maximum Width represents a hypothetical measurement of roughly how wide a waterfall could get during peak streamflow or flood conditions. For smaller waterfalls, this figure will generally not differ much from the Average Width measurement, but for broader waterfalls - especially those that feature a crest that isn't constricted - this figure can at times be consideraby larger. Like the Average Width measurement, this measurement will take into account the difference in width at the top and bottom of the waterfall as much as possible, but will often be made based on the width of the crest of th falls alone.

Pitch

The Pitch of a waterfall is an estimated - often very roughly - measure of the average slope or steepness of a waterfall. The Pitch figure only takes into account sections of stream which are actively falling. Pools or stretches of level stream in between two or more successive drops of the falls will not factor in this figure. As an example, a waterfall which features two truly free-falling leaps separated by several dozen yards of flat stream will have a Pitch of 90 degrees. Similarly, a waterfall with two drops separated by a pool, one with a true free-falling drop, and one with a Horsetail type fall will average the two, so while the Plunging drop has a Pitch of 90 degrees, if the Horsetail drop has a Pitch of 45 degrees, the total Pitch will be roughly 67 degrees.

Run

The Run of a waterfall is a measurement representing the total linear distance on the ground between the top and bottom of a waterfall. This figure is not often easy to establish with a high degree of precision and as such will often be estimated. Waterfalls with a longer Run will usually either be less steep, often cascading type waterfalls, or will feature multiple steps separated by shorter stretches of a more gradual gradient streambed.

Form

See the Waterfall Types section below.

Watershed

The watershed which a waterfall occurs within, if it is specified, will be based on the ultimate distributary watercourse to the ocean. For example, Washington's Palouse Falls occurs along the Palouse River - which is a tributary to the Snake River, which is itself a tributary to the Columbia River, which ultimately enters the Pacific Ocean, so Palouse Falls would then fall within the Columbia River watershed. Streams which empty directly into the ocean, or into a minor basin which then empties to the ocean will often have this field left blank.

Stream

The name of the watercourse which the waterfall occurs along. If the watercourse is not known to have an officially or colloquially recognized name, this field is left blank.

Avg Volume

The volume of water present in the stream at the location of the waterfall. This is often the most difficult figure to pin down because accurately measuring streamflow is not a simple process. We will rely on USGS data as much as possible, and attempt to take into account seasonal fluctuations in stream levels if possible. There is no guarantee that this figure will be accurate, and in cases where there is no USGS data to use, it may be a very, very rough estimate at best.

Source

If known, the primary source of the watercourse which produces the waterfall will be listed here. This is helpful in determining whether a waterfall may flow more consistently during certain periods of the year - streams which originate in Springs, Lakes, or Glaciers will often flow more consistently throughout the year than those fueled by simply Runoff. The source of the stream may also be either unknown or undetermined.

Flow Consistency

A rough estimation of how many months out of the year the stream which produces the waterfall will actually hold water. The vast majority of waterfalls featured on this website will technically be truly perennial waterfalls (those that flow all year long), but some may see their flow dwindle greatly in the late summer months. This figure will not take into account the winter months when the waterfall may freeze, because in such cases the waterfall will very often be inaccessible. Entries which specify a Flow Consistncy of 12 Months should in general have an acceptable flow at any time of year (but may be better during certain periods - see below).

Best Flow

A general estimate of the best period of the year during which time the falls will be considered at optimal conditions, or flowing at their best. There may be variance within the range specified where the flow will be better or worse, but visiting at any time in the range specified (if available) will generally present the waterfall in its best light.

Waterfall Types

Watefalls come in all kinds of different shapes and sizes, and no two are exactly alike. There are however some common qualities which can be used to categorize different waterfalls into different "types". The system we've elected to use is adapted from that created by Greg Plumb in his excellent "Waterfall Lover's Guide" books. Plumb's category system features eight distinct types of waterfall, but each seemed to be applied somewhat haphazardly. Our system takes two primary characteristics into account: 1) how steep the waterfall is, and then 2) a modifier based on how the water interacts with the cliff which produces the waterfall. All waterfalls will fall into one of the five primary categories, and then may have a modifier applied. Some waterfalls will have no distinct modifier traits, and will thus just be listed using only primary designation. The breakdown works as follows:

Primary Categories:

Plunge

Plunging waterfalls are the "classic" type waterfall, where the stream drops cleanly from the cliff and free-falls all the way to its base. Plunge type waterfalls will typically have an overall pitch of between 75 and 90 degrees (some wiggle room is allowed).

Horsetail

Horsetail waterfalls occur as the stream descends down a steep, nearly vertical cliff, but retains contact with the cliff face for the majority of its descent. The name was inspired by the famous Horsetail Falls in Oregon's Columbia River Gorge. Horsetail type waterfalls typically have an overall pitch of between 50 and 80 degrees.

Steep Cascades

Steep Cascades type waterfalls occur as the stream tumbles in a non-vertical fashion down the face of a cliff, over gradually sloping rocks, in a series of small steps in quick succession, or over a rugged sloping surface of some kind. The waterfall will maintain contact with the bedrock for the entire descent, and will feature an overall pitch of between approximately 30 and 65 degrees.

Shallow Cascades

Shallow Cascade type waterfalls occur similarly as a stream descends along an angled pitch of bedrock, but in a much more gradual method than the Steep Cascades variant. Shallow Cascades are often characterized by smooth waterslide-like features, or chutes where the stream accelerates through a narrow channel. Shallow Cascade type waterfalls will generally have an overall pitch of between 10 and 40 degrees.

Rapids

Rapids are usually a type of formation in a stream or river which don't typically qualify as a true waterfall, however there are some exceptions. Rapids will be characterized by a very gradual descent, often without the presence of a distinctly identifiable vertical drop. Waterfalls which fall under the Rapids category will have an overall pitch of less than 10 degrees.

Primary Category Examples
Plunge South Falls, Oregon	Horsetail Lila Falls, Washington	Steep Cascades Tatoosh Falls, Washington	Shallow Cascades Clear Lake Falls, Washington	Rapids Waterloo Falls, Oregon

Modifier Traits:

Block

Block-type waterfalls stretch over a broad width of stream, and feature a width that is greater than the height of the waterfall. Waterfalls which are more or less equal in height and width will be considered Block type.

Curtain

Curtain-type waterfalls stretch over a broad width of stream, but feature a height that is greater than the width of the waterfall.

Punchbowl

Punchbowl-type waterfalls occur where a stream constricts through a narrow gap and is forcefully shot outward and downward into a large pool (picture a ladle in a bowl of punch).

Segmented

Segmented-type waterfalls occur when the stream splits into two or more parallel channels, each producing a waterfall on its own. The parallel streams do not have to be collectively visible from one spot to obtain this modifier.

Sliding

Sliding-type waterfalls occur where the stream skips down a smooth slab of bedrock, like a natural waterslide. Waterfalls of this type are often associated with granitic bedrock.

Talus

Talus-type waterfalls are produced when the stream tumbles over, under, and around a pile of large rocks or boulders. Generally because this interaction doesn't align with our definition of Waterfall, these features will be classified as Disqualified, and in turn very few waterfalls in the database will have this modifier.

Tiered

Tiered-type waterfalls are produced when the stream makes two or more consecutive leaps back-to-back in a stair step fashion. Each tier may have its own distinct shape and traits, but we don't generally take that into account in terms of classing a waterfall into its respective Category.

Veiling

Veiling-type waterfalls occur when the stream producing the falls spreads outward as it falls - the top of the waterfall being narrow and the bottom being considerably wider. This is sometimes referred to as a "Fan" type waterfall.

Modifier Examples
Block Lower North Falls, Oregon	Curtain Paradise Falls, Washington	Punchbowl Punch Bowl Falls, Oregon	Segmented Triple Falls, Oregon
Sliding St. Louis Falls, Washington	Talus Boulder Falls, Washington	Tiered Apogee Falls, Washington	Veiling Fairy Falls, Oregon

Because some of these modifier traits do not apply to certain primary categories, certain combinations of the two will not occur. Below is a chart showing all of the possible combinations of Primary Forms and Modifier Traits for any given waterfall:

Maps, Location, and Directions

Toward the bottom of each Waterfall detail page is information pertinent to the location of the waterfall. Presented will be, at minimum, the coordinates where the waterfall is found, in decimal-degrees format, as well as a map window showing on a map where the falls are located. Up to ten additional nearby waterfalls may also be shown if there are any within a 5 mile radius of the waterfall in question. Where we have conducted a proper survey of the waterfall, directions to the waterfall will often also be provided.

The Rating System

Perhaps the most difficult task when it comes to cataloging waterfalls is how to fairly quantify and compare any given waterfall with another. There have been many attempts over the years at creating systems which would effectively rate waterfalls based on their aesthetics, accessibility, volume, quaintness, or whatever else characteristic could be identified.

Since the inception of this website in 2002 we have constantly strived to hone our data to provide as close to a bias-free system of measure and comparison as possible. Our initial efforts were largely grounded in both our personal opinions, and in inconsistent and inaccurate data, and as such the rating systems which were utilized were flawed. In time a more dynamic rating system was derived to try to alleviate these issues and provide a much more objective comparison using as much quantifiable data as possible to try to produce a rating scale free of the influence of personal opinion. This system derives its results using three primary sources of data and is constructed as follows.

Visual Magnitude

In the 3rd Edition of the book "A Waterfall Lover's Guide to the Pacific Northwest", author Greg Plumb derived a system to measure the visual impression a waterfall makes, which he termed "Visual Magnitude". This system uses a logarithmic scale of 10, based on the waterfall's height, width, volume and slope. The resulting figures render a good quantifiable method of visual comparison between any two waterfalls, regardless of differences in size, shape, or volume. Each increase of 10 in Magnitude indicates a doubling of the impressiveness of the waterfall. For example, a waterfall with a rating of 90 is twice as impressive as a rating of 80, and a rating of 100 is four times as impressive as a rating of 80. Taller waterfalls, and waterfalls with a higher volume will have a higher Visual Magnitude rating. Low volume waterfalls, or waterfalls with a shallow slope will have a lower rating. The Visual Magnitude of any waterfall which has a Rating can be found on the second line of the Ratings box at the top-right of a waterfall's page.

International Waterfall Classification System (IWC)

A second method of measure that is used in this database is the International Waterfall Classification System coined by Richard Beisel Jr in 2002. This system uses a natural logarithm of the average volume of water present in a waterfall to come up with a rating on a 1-10 scale, then rounds it up to the nearest whole number to achieve the "Class" the waterfall falls into. The IWC Rating is listed first, followed by the Class category the waterfall is assigned to, within parenthesis: 4.35 (Class 5). This system rewards high-volume waterfalls, and waterfalls with a shallower slope over more vertical waterfalls, because there is more square acreage to low-gradient waterfalls and hence more volume in the waterfall, and is best used to compare waterfalls based on sheer volume rather than stature. Smaller, lower volume waterfalls may not be substantial enough to have a rating at all. The IWC Rating if any waterfall which has a Rating can be found on the third line of the Ratings box at the top-right of a waterfall's page.

Our Rating System

As we attempted to identify a fair way to rate waterfalls against one another, it was determined that both the above mentioned rating systems have shortcomings in certain areas and excel in others. To resolve those imbalances a broader system was deployed to account for additional factors that aren't adequately represented in either. Further, to account for the variances in stature and size of waterfalls in different regions, we provide up to three different "scales" that the ratings will span; a Global Rating which will serve to compare the waterfall against all waterfalls around the world, a Country-wide rating which will rate it against only waterfalls from that country, and where applicable, a rating for the first-level subdivision within that country (States within the United States, etc). This allows us to create more granularity in the rating scales when comparing, for example, the best waterfall in Nebraska with the best waterfall in Norway (there really isn't any fair comparison between the two, by the way).

This rating system uses both the Visual Magnitude scale, as well as the International Waterfall Classification Rating, plus four additional variables. The total rating is then graded on a curve based on the highest and lowest possible scores for waterfalls in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. This allows a scale rating from 1-100 to be employed. The current breakdown of factors in the system are as follows:

Visual Magnitude:

The Visual Magnitude rating accounts for 50% of the total pre-graded score, with a cap placed at a Magnitude of 80 (so waterfalls with a Magnitude higher than 80 will always get the maximum points in this area).

IWC Rating:

The International Waterfall Classification rating accounts for 10% of the pre-graded score, utilizing the IWC Rating figure rather than the associated Class figure.

Visibility:

The visibility of a waterfall takes into account how clearly it can be viewed from any given location - generally the location where we survey it from. This accounts for 10% of the score. Waterfalls which have fewer visual obstructions (such as trees, boulders, or buildings) will earn more points in this area.

Consistency of Streamflow:

The consistency of a waterfall takes into account how evenly throughout the year the stream at the waterfall is flowing. A greater fluctuation in stream flow means less points in this area. This accounts for 10% of the score.

Surrounding Development:

The surrounding development of a waterfall takes into account how pristine and natural the waterfall and its immediate surroundings are. Waterfalls which are entirely natural, wild, and untouched will earn full points, while waterfalls with which man-made structures of any sort can be seen in tandem will earn less (urban waterfalls will earn substantially less, if any). This accounts for 10% of the score.

Subjective Score:

Accounts for 20% of the score, up to 20 points. This is used primarily to balance out ratings for waterfalls which we feel are inaccurately represented based purely on math alone. Most of the time this will reflect a general alignment of the legacy 10-point rating system from the previous incarnation of this website.

As stated above, the total score based on these variables is not displayed as the final score, but it is rather graded on a curve based on the highest and lowest scores possible. The grading may periodically change, and should you notice a number either over 100 or a negative number, please let us know so we can adjust the scoring.