High Water Has Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Officials Cautioning River Runners

High water on the Delaware River has Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area officials urging river runners to be extremely careful and to be sure to wear properly fitted personal flotation devices.

NRA officials say that due to heavy rainfall, the Delaware River flow level at Montague,
New Jersey, is predicted to rise to over 12 feet by 8 p.m. on Monday, or about six vertical feet higher than normal for this time of the year.

By order of NRA Superintendent John Donahue, all individuals are required to wear a proper fitting, serviceable, personal flotation device while on board vessels on the waters of the Delaware River within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. In addition, the Delaware River waters are closed to swimming; wading only is permitted. The order will remain in effect until the river level recedes to normal conditions.

At higher flow levels, river conditions include large quantities of floating debris, very swift currents, decreased water temperature and increased hydraulic hazards in rapids and near bridge pilings, as well as, increased hazards associated with strainers near the shoreline.

It is highly recommended that only very experienced boaters using proper equipment consider a river trip during this period of high water.