Why are the levels up? Did it rain a lot there? I noticed 810cfs on upper sections. Can't paddle though, still resting my shoulder!

Aw, man!!!  I'm 1/2 hour away on my stupid BIRTHDAY and I can't paddle.  Stupid work.

In the winter season, if the pool level exceeds 1300 they'll release liberally as long as it's stable downstream.  They don't call it a release.  When the level reaches 1300, they use input = output to keep it there. 

I look at the USGS gauges for the Tobyhanna Creek and Lehigh at Stoddardsville to get a rough idea of input.

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?01447720

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?01447500

There's an annual plan with all kinds of contingencies, which is what the meetings are about.

Kevin, Ed,  any comments?

Dave

As we all know the purpose of the Francis E. Walter dam is flood control.  During the off season when they don't have the scheduled releases they follow a fairly strict inflow-outflow policy.  The review inflows, down stream weather conditions and flows and adjust accordingly.  In some cases they will collect (flood control) water based on excessive flows downstream.  Once the rain event has passed they return the pool level to 1300ft ASAP.  This means that they may have some sizable releases, but these will not necessarily be announced.  As Dave mentioned, it is best to keep an eye on the entire water basin for the Lehigh and make some educated guesses.

When Hans announced his intent to paddle the Lehigh tomorrow i did some quick looks at all the gauges.  It is presently running at 800cfs, but considering how quickly the pool is dropping i wouldn't be surprised that by tomorrow it will only be running 500-600 cfs.  If you check the graph for the gauge in White Haven you will notice it's been flowing substantially higher earlier this week - about 1050cfs on Monday.  Apparently getting rid of the pool accumulated during the rain even last week.

Kevin

There is also a USGS Gauge tha tracks the Reservior level.

Right now it is quickley approaching the magic 1300 ft. elevation. When it does they will cut back the flow to something very close to the combined in-flow from the Upper Lehigh, and Tobyhanna.

In short: It will not be flowing at 800 tomarrow.

Ed

who all did you paddle with?

The level was only 800, but it was just as much fun as the summer releases.  Absoulutely NO other paddlers or rafts on the river. Wow what a nice day! Would have been a great day if it hadn't been for Hans working me to death. Felt like we hit nearly every eddy on the river.  Six hours with no real lunch break to speak of. What a slave driver!   Still better than working.  Thanks for all your help Hans.