Gauge Description:
As of September, 2001, a USGS gauge at Skanee Road is online.
According to at least one boater's report:
8.5'/475 cfs described as 'moderate'
8.0'/325 described as 'moderate low'
At 7.43' everything was runnable, but getting quite scrapey.
Based upon six years of data from the USGS gauge,
minimum flow is zero (of course),
maximum flow was 2660 cfs,
90% flow was 11 cfs (90% of the time flow equals or exceeds this value),
10% flow was 169 cfs (10% of the time flow equals or exceeds this value),
making for a 10/90 ratio of 15 (suggesting a rather flashy stream, no big surprise).
Best month to catch it is April (15 runnable days, on average; low of 9, high of 22),
with March and May being next best (4 runnable days average, low of 0, high of 8-10),
though it has run in June, October, and November.
Offseason ('Ice') correlations:
9.86' =1000 cfs
9.53' = 860 cfs
9.00' = 650 cfs
8.87' = 600 cfs
8.58' = 500 cfs
8.26' = 400 cfs
7.91' = 300 cfs
7.71' = 250 cfs
7.50' = 200 cfs
7.40' = 180 cfs
Disclaimer: Be aware that indication of a 'runnable' level by the gauge does not necessarily mean that the river is runnable. In winter, gauge readings may be 'ice affected'. Sections of the river may be impassable due to ice. Use discretion for winter and early spring runs.
The 'boaters gauge' is to look at the river downstream of Arvon Road. If it looks a bit rocky ('marginal') you probably have a decent level!
Boaters also use a 'measure down' gauge at the bridge at Skanee Road. Measuring down from underside downstream left on NEW bridge there: 72" down appears to equate to -22" on old bridge (I.E. relative minimum level for runnability). Desirable (runnable) levels may be 60" to 69" down, with 70"-73" runnable but getting scrapey.
Also, I have received word that If you measure down from the bottom of the concrete on the bridge on the upstream left side and subtract that number from 14.81 feet, that will give you the gage height (this will correlate very nicely with the USGS gage height that appears on the web).
Gauge Information
| Name |
Range |
Difficulty |
Updated |
Level |
|
SILVER RIVER NEAR L'ANSE, MI
|
|
usgs-04043150 |
180 - 650 cfs
|
II(III) |
67d16h54m |
79
cfs
(rc= -0.6 ) |
Almost certainly too low for enjoyable whitewater experience. |
Gauge (64.7 sq.mi. drainage) is downstream of the take-out, but should be very accurate for flows in this lower reach.
|
| Range | Water Level | Difficulty | Comment |
|---|
|
0 - 150
cfs |
extremely Low-somewhat Low |
II(III) |
Almost certainly too low for enjoyable whitewater experience. |
|
150 - 180
cfs |
somewhat Low-barely Low |
II-III(IV) |
Very marginal/minimal flows. Bump-and-scrape for most drops. "E.L.F." (Extreme Low Flow) run may be possible. |
|
180 - 250
cfs |
barely runnable-med runnable |
II-III(IV) |
Low-to-moderate flows. Some areas will be a scrape, but not a bad trip overall. |
|
250 - 500
cfs |
med runnable-a bit pushy runnable |
III-IV(V) |
Moderate flows. Recommended for teams of well-experienced whitewater boaters. |
|
500 - 650
cfs |
a bit pushy runnable-high runnable |
III-IV(V) |
High flows. Very big and pushy. Experts only! |
|
650 - 800
cfs |
somewhat High-somewhat High |
IV-V+ |
Unusually high flows. Seriously big and pushy. Extreme caution recommended for any who opt to run. |
|
800 -9999
cfs |
somewhat High-extremely High |
IV-V+ |
Epic high flows. Expect a portage fest. Extreme caution urged. |
|
Report - Reports of Silver B) 'Lower Silver': Arvon Rd to Silver Falls Park (4.2 miles) and related gauges
Reports give the public a chance to report on river conditions throughout the country as well as log the history of a river.
Reports
