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Or, paddling for Perl geeks. ;-)

The table/graph shown below each show the approximate correlation between the web-accessible gauge at Pipersville (in CFS), and the gauge that most paddlers are accustomed to, on the bridge at Ralph Stover Park (in feet).

The quadratic equation which models this was empirically derived by John Koeppe; I wrote the Perl script that generates the table and the graph. Any mistakes are mine.

Pipersville gauge readings are available online at:

http://pa.waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=01459500

It's not that far above Ralph Stover, so the time delay between the two points shouldn't be much of an issue except under extreme conditions.

Note that nominal scheduled releases are usually around 1.8 feet, or about 750 CFS.

This is an APPROXIMATION in the range of most interest to paddlers, that is above 300 CFS (1 foot) and below 3700 CFS (5 feet). Outside of that range, it's dubious. In other words, the quadratic fit no longer really models reality, so you can't trust the model.

Frankly, if the flow is above 4 feet, it's such a difficult trip that only paddlers familiar with the river and capable of assessing the difficulty by making an on-the-spot inspection should consider attempting the run. (My own experience runs out at 4 feet and change. I'm told that above that, it starts getting seriously mean. Based on that experience, I believe it. A swim at 4 feet would be likely to end in the Delaware. Do not attempt the river at this level or above without significant whitewater experience, a bombproof roll, and a similarly qualified group.

If it's below 1 foot, bring a plastic boat and hiking boots.