Advice on what is "sufficient" river flow and other comments are dependent upon highly variable weather patterns, therefore the descriptions below should be taken with a grain of salt. Always keep the paddling abilities of those in your group in mind when planning a river trip.
All charts show 7 days' data as the default. They can be adjusted by the viewer from 1 -31 days. Clicking on "Summary of all available data" will enable you to expand your search to all data for each individual station. Some records go back to 1910.
Note: These are Real Time readings, telling you about existing conditions. You can use the chart to tell history (is it going up or down) and to compare with the historical average for that date, but the charts are not reliable for predicting river conditions beyond a few days at most.
Locations depicted in the map are approximate. Map courtesy NOAA
250 – 500 = A bit boney. Generally there is enough water, but you may catch from time to time.
500 – 1000 = A great trip. You should have plenty of water.
1000 – 2000 = Lots of water. Your downriver speed may be faster than your plans.
Above 2000 = Too much of a good thing? The current may be dangerous for the less experienced.
(Thanks to Tim Hall of BPL for these guidelines.)
From 300 - 750, should be easy going but maybe a rock or two; lengthy rapids may still be a bit boney.
From 750 - 1,500, easy going for most paddlers, but be aware of strainers in narrower portions.
Above 1,500 - may be quite fast in narrows for novice paddlers; Class II sections may become III+.
(This river gauge is useful for estimating conditions on the Machias River and Munsungan & Mooseleuk streams.)
From 500 - 850, should be easy going but you may find a rock or two or a bit of gravel.
From 850 - 1,500, easy going for most paddlers.
Above 1,500 - an effortless ride, but maybe too fast for fishing or photographing wildlife.