88°
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
52%
28
Mineral County, WV · Lake
Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach
Howell Run Rd, Elk Garden, WV 26717
A 4,500-acre Corps of Engineers reservoir on the North Branch Potomac straddling WV and MD. Shaw Beach is the designated sandy swim area, reached via the Lakeside Trail from the Howell Run Picnic Area. Sunny grass lounge area, panoramic lake views, and some of the best eagle-watching in the region.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · 52% rain · NWS alert active
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. West wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 11pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 11pm and 5am. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. West wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Weather
- 88°F air — ideal beach weather
- 52% rain — rain likely at some point
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- NWS alert active — flood watch issued july 18 at 11:43am edt until july 19 at 2:00am edt by nws baltimore md/washington dc
15 /100
skip
40 Sunbathe
9 Walk
5 Fish
26 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Weather alert in effect
Flood Watch issued July 18 at 11:43AM EDT until July 19 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Air Quality Alert issued July 18 at 1:55AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Air Quality Alert issued July 17 at 7:54PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Atmosphere
Air Temp
88°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
13 mph
W
Rain
52%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
5 Moderate
Peaks 03 PM · burn in ~40m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 04 PM
Tomorrow
83°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:04 AM
Sunset
8:41 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:35 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 11:52 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 7:02 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:28 AM | High | 3.2 ft |
| 7:28 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 12:47 PM | High | 3.0 ft |
| 7:47 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:21 AM | High | 3.2 ft |
| 8:21 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 1:41 PM | High | 2.9 ft |
| 8:31 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:13 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 9:16 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 2:36 PM | High | 2.7 ft |
| 9:17 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:07 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 10:14 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 3:35 PM | High | 2.6 ft |
| 10:06 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:04 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 11:12 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 4:35 PM | High | 2.6 ft |
| 10:58 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:00 AM | High | 3.1 ft |
| 12:08 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 5:32 PM | High | 2.6 ft |
| 11:51 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8594900, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
83°
Mostly Sunny
2%
85
85°
Mostly Sunny
4%
85
87°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
73%
19
80°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
53%
31
79°
Sunny
4%
86
83°
Sunny
5%
85
What to Bring Today
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 13 mph wind
- optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 52% rain chance
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 88°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Minor
10:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Major
3:50 AM - 5:50 AM
Minor
10:20 AM - 11:20 AM
Major
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Free lot at Howell Run Picnic Area.
Dogs
Leashed dogs permitted.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Howell Run Rd, Elk Garden, WV 26717
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach today?
Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach dog-friendly?
Leashed dogs permitted.
Is there an entry fee at Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach?
Entry to Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach?
No lifeguards are stationed at Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach?
Amenities at Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach include beach, picnic shelters, trails, restrooms, fishing, boating, water skiing.
When is the water warmest at Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach?
Inland lakes peak in July and August at 75-80°F and hold warmth longer than tidal beaches. Swimming comfortable from mid-June through September.
Where is Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach located?
Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach is in Mineral County, WV, at Howell Run Rd, Elk Garden, WV 26717.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS