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Pembina River

Pembina River Canoeing Recommendations Based on Streamflow and Stage

According to the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, a flow of at least 1,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) at Neche is recommended for canoeing.  A flow of 1,000 cfs at Neche corresponds, approximately, to a flow of 910 cfs at Walhalla.

However, the USGS received input from a canoer in 2007 that the Pembina River could be canoed from the County Road 55 bridge to the Walhalla Bridge at 300-350 cfs.

Flows of 1,000 cubic feet per second usually occur only in April and May; however, it is important to avoid dangerous flood conditions at that time of year.  The river may be canoed throughout the summer, but flows generally decrease during that time. 

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 with 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, canoeing recommendations for the Pembina 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

Pick the gage/city closest to your desired canoeing route on the Pembina River.  Click on the link for that gage in the chart above; click on the button with the city name 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.

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