How high is too high on the CT River

[eckilson]

We were planning a trip on the upper Connecticut River (Canaan to Maidstone Bridge) next week. Just looked at the North Stratford gage, and it is almost 14,000 cfs - yikes. It was 500 cfs when we were there in the Fall.

https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nh/nwis/uv?site_no=01129500

How high is too high for the upper CT River?

 

[eckilson]

Dropping slowly - will probably be at a more reasonable level by the time we leave next week, but would still appreciate some first hand experience.

I know one thing - there will be plenty of water.

 

[eckilson]

Leaving today for a couple of nights - Canaan to Maidstone Bridge. Nights might be a little cold, but should be fun otherwise. River is down to 4200, so that should be OK.

We'll see...

 

[eckilson]

Fortunately, we don't know the answer to the original question, but I can tell you that 5-6 feet (3K to 4K cfs) on the North Stratford gage is a perfect level for the the trip from Canaan to Bloomfield. When we put in on Wednesday, the level was 6 feet, 4000 cfs. By Friday it had dropped to 5 feet, 3000 cfs. Just about a perfect level . We ended up spending two nights - the first at Holbrook Point, the second at Lyman Falls State Park. We had some fun quick water and class I rips above and below the Lyman Falls.

Trip report:
https://eckilson.blogspot.com/2018/0...iii-rapid.html

Pictures:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/eckilson/albums/72157690941401030

Video:
https://vimeo.com/269403307

 

[latremorej]

Nice trip! Thanks for sharing

Jason