Understanding the flow of the river
We’re lucky enough to have hundreds of miles of beautiful paddling opportunities, but to recreate responsibly, it requires an understanding of how river flows affect your paddling experience.
How to check river flow data
The U.S. Geological Survey provides up to date river flow data across much of the United States. These stations monitor the volume of flow through cubic feet per second or “cfs”. Seasoned river explorers monitor the flows after rain events, to better understand the condition of the rivers.
In the graph, you can see how a recent rainstorm quickly affected the flow of the Namekagon River, and in the following days, the levels dropped again. if you are unsure of the conditions, check our National Park partner site for up to date conditions.
Seasonal changes to rivers
We have a lot of water to explore in the 7,800 square mile watershed. However, water levels change throughout the seasons.
The spring run off from snow melt and early season rain, means that some small creeks and tributaries can become very swift and dangerous.
Later summer and dry years can add navigation challenges. Stretches of shallow river, such as the upper Namekagon River, will now have rocks and gravel bars exposed. This will often mean more time needed to paddle a section or require paddlers to exit their kayak or canoe to move it across a shallow rocky area.
If you want a worry free paddle experience, check out of our expert led day paddles.
Choosing the right section
There are a lot of considerations that determine what section of river is best for your recreation needs. Distance between landings, wind forecast, and time of year all affect your paddle experience.
If you are unsure if an experience is right for you, contact our knowledgable friends at the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.