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Sheyenne River

Sheyenne River Canoeing Recommendations Based on Streamflow and Stage

According to the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, a flow of at least 400 cubic feet per second (cfs) at Cooperstown or a flow of at least 80 cfs below Baldhill Dam is recommended for canoeing.

Based on the Parks and Recreation Department's recommendations, the U.S. Geological Survey estimates that a flow of 94 cfs at the Lisbon gaging station would be adequate for canoeing in the Fort Ransom area.

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 Sheyenne 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 Sheyenne 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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