USGS IN YOUR STATE

USGS Water Science Centers are located in each state.

Knife River

Knife River Canoeing Recommendations Based on Streamflow and Stage

According to the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, a flow of at least 100 cubic feet per second (cfs) at Hazen is recommended for fair canoeing.

Flows are best in the spring and early summer; however, it is important to avoid dangerous flood conditions when ice is moving out in the spring.  In most years, the caneoable stretch of the Knife River is from the county road 37 bridge downstream to the Missouri River.  However, in high-flow years, the river can be canoed upstream of county road 37 bridge, west of the Knife River Indian Villages. Canoeing upstream of the county road 37 bridge may be subject to private landowner permission.

Data Interpretation and Recommendations

Each river, and each gaging station on a river, has a unique streamflow-stage relation.  This relation can be expressed in a rating table and  may change over time.  Given the stage at a particular gaging station, streamflow can be estimated using the rating table.  Likewise, given the streamflow, stage can be estimated using the rating table.  Using the streamflow-stage relation, the canoeing recommendation for the Knife River can be expressed as:

As river conditions change due to natural events or human activities, the streamflow-stage relation may change.  As streamflow and stage decrease, the river becomes slower and shallower; thus, canoeing will become more difficult and portaging around shallow areas may be frequent.  As streamflow and stage increase, the river becomes faster and deeper.  Canoeing should not be attempted when the river is flooding.  Observation of the river and its streamflow or stage over time will help you determine the optimal river level for your enjoyment.

How to Obtain Current Streamflow and Stage Data

Click on the link for Hazen in the chart above; click on the Hazen button on the left side of this screen; or click on the gage, indicated by a red triangle, on the map below.  You will be presented with a chart showing the current streamflow (discharge).  Scroll down for another chart showing the current stage (gage height).  To view streamflow for the last 18 months click on the button on the left side of the screen that says 18-Month Graph.  Data for the past 18 months are helpful in determining the best time of the year to canoe a river.

Canoeing Home | Knife River Home | Recommendations | Maps | More