A SPECIAL NOTE OF CAUTION

A SPECIAL NOTE OF CAUTION TO BCKC MEMBERS AND ALL AREA PADDLERS:

The often relied upon American Whitewater (AW) website has drastically changed its method of reporting river levels recently (January 2019). Their new color coding system used to announce river levels can, in certain instances, portray rivers to be at “Runnable” levels when the actual conditions would be suited only for Advanced or Expert paddlers.

Details: There are multiple issues…so please read this post in its entirety.

1)The design of the new AW website has suffered from several glitches that has caused some formerly used data to NOT be included in the river level calculations for some rivers in their “River Inventory” (this could lead to inaccurate gauge reports on certain rivers/streams). AW has acknowledged this issue and is working to correct it, but the fixes will likely be applied in phases. There has been no stated timeline from AW as to when this will be completed or in what order.
2)AW’s old 5-color river code system has been replaced by a 3-color system. The old site had 5 categories “Below Recommended; Low Runnable; Runnable; High Runnable; Above Recommended”. The new 3-color system portrays a river only as “Low Runnable; Runnable; High Runnable”.

Notice in the new system there is no “top end”…so every river, regardless of level, would never be considered more than “High Runnable”. In the past, AW designed the “Runnable” river levels to reflect the river description and class (in other words, “Runnable” meant that a river described as class 3 would have class 3 characteristics within the “Runnable” range). In too many instances that is now no longer the case.

Perhaps even more critical: it has been found that certain rivers are now categorized as “Runnable” at levels that would have previously neared the “Above Recommended” level. For instance, the new site has reported Little Falls on the Potomac at a friendly “Runnable” level as it approaches 6’ on the USGS gauge. In truth, the characteristics of Little Falls at this level approaches Class 5, which very suitable for qualified advanced/expert boaters, but a potential disaster for the mid-level intermediate paddler expecting a fun jaunt down to tidewater.

Similar “Runnable” level reading have been noted on other rivers as well – for instance, AW site reports the Lower Yough as Green/Runnable at levels between 4’-7.5’ which is vastly different from the 2.0’-2.5’ levels most intermediate boaters are used to during the normal summer flows (the summer flows being the level at which the Lower Yough is designated to be a class 3 river).

It is because of these issues that I have felt pressed to offer this statement of caution. If you are an advance-to-expert boater, these AW site problems probably won’t have much effect on you of your paddling plans (unless you plan on taking less experienced paddlers out with you).

However, for intermediate, novice or beginner boaters the flaws in this new system could (in a worst case scenario) be quite dangerous…or (at the very least) could lead to a very unpleasant day.

Final Word: If for any reason you are unsure whether a river level is compatible with your skills and experience, PLEASE reach out for advice from other trusted, experienced boaters who know 1) you, 2) your skill sets and 3) the river/level in question.

Inclosing, AW has done wonderful work for the paddling community for years. New systems are always problematic. I believe they will get the bugs worked out over time. Until then, educate yourself and be extra cautious with any information that you have not confirmed to be accurate.

Please be aware that AW is making changes and corrections on an ongoing basis. Specifics and details about this notice may be corrected as you investigate them.

SYOTR!

Ed Blizzard

BCKC President 2019