Gauge Description:

Paddlers have historically referred to a stage reading taken from the Hwy.23 bridge. However, with USGS gauges now online, confusion arises because the gauges do not directly correlate. In an effort to modernize and standardize, the more accurate and unmistakable gauge (cfs) reading will be used here.

Translation between paddlers "bridge gauge" and the USGS 'Sandstone gauge' is roughly -3 feet. Bridge gauge levels above 2' (5.2' on USGS) are runnable, though many paddlers will suggest better play begins at 4' on the bridge (6.72' on USGS).

A somewhat more detailed statistical analysis of the data suggests the following conversion:
23 Bridge Level = ( 1.31 x Internet Sandstone Level ) - 4.8

"Maximum" as given here (2300 cfs) is only an indication of a level above which the character of the run will change from 'friendly play' to more pushy and having more consequence. The river is runnable much higher, with the understanding that holes will become 'keepy', and undercuts will become dangerous (deadly).

A local boater suggests the following ratings:

CFS	USGS Gauge	Bridge Gauge	Class Rating
1,250	5.57'	2.5'	II+
2,000	6.34'	3.5'	III-
2,300	6.72'	4.0'	III+
4,500	8.63'	6.5'	IV-
5,500	9.01'	7.0'	IV

These are conservative ratings. At levels over 2300 CFS (4 feet bridge gauge), the undercuts become active, drawing the class IV ratings.

Gauge/flow analysis (based on USGS data, 1968-2009)
Drainage area at gauge	868 sq.mi.
Minimum daily mean flow (1976.11.12)	43 cfs
90% of time flow exceeds	123 cfs
10% of time flow exceeds	1,690 cfs
Maximum daily mean flow (1972.07.23)	16,400 cfs
10/90 ratio ('flashy-ness') (under 3 is quite steady, over 10 is quite 'flashy')	13.7

Gauge Information

Name

Range

Difficulty

Updated

Level

KETTLE RIVER BELOW SANDSTONE, MN

usgs-05336700

400 - 4000 cfs

69d20h49m

498 cfs (rc= 0.1 )

Reasonable beginner flow.

Gauge (868 sq.mi. drainage) is just downstream of Sandstone (usual take-out), so very accurately portrays flow in this reach.

Range	Water Level	Difficulty	Comment
0 - 200 cfs	extremely Low-somewhat Low	I	TOO LOW!
200 - 400 cfs	somewhat Low-barely Low	I(II)	Low desperation level.
400 -1200 cfs	barely runnable-med runnable	II	Reasonable beginner flow.
1200 -2200 cfs	med runnable-a bit pushy runnable	II-III	Intermediate level. Boaters should have a solid roll and be able to catch eddies confidently.
2200 -4000 cfs	a bit pushy runnable-high runnable	III+	Challenging level. Not recommended for canoes or recreational kayaks. Boaters should have a solid roll and be able to catch eddies confidently.
4000 -5000 cfs	somewhat High-somewhat High	III-IV	Demanding level. Highly experienced whitewater boaters only. Swims will be long, and likely to result in loss of equipment.
5000 -99999 cfs	somewhat High-extremely High	IV	Serious level.. Highly experienced whitewater boaters only. Swims will be long, and likely to result in loss of equipment.

Report - Reports of Kettle B) Banning State Park to Sandstone (2.8 or 4.3 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

When	River/Gauge	Subject	Level	Reporter
	Kettle [MN]	Dragon's Tooth, high water	8k (?)	Jake Vos
	Kettle [MN]	A stretch of the Kettle.	728cfs/1.5'	Rob Smage
1y176d16h18m	/Kettle-B) Banning State Park to Sandstone [MN]	Blueberry	low runnable level	user: "Jackson120890"
9y123d12h33m	Kettle [MN]	Some side channel fun	2.6	Steve Weliver
9y123d12h33m	Kettle [MN]	Surfin Blueberry	2.6	Steve Weliver