Gauge Information

Gauge Description:

Levels from around 200 to 500 cfs should provide good flows for most groups though it has been run much higher.

Boaters historically (while the USGS gauge was inactive) have measured down from the bridge deck on a road off of Hwy 513. Readings on the order of 13'(156") down are taken as runnable.
-153" is about 350cfs.

Note: Be aware that indication of a 'runnable' level does not mean that the river is necessarily runnable. In winter, readings may be 'ice affected', and/or sections of the river may be impassable due to ice.

Offseason ('Ice') stage-gauge conversions
2.75 = 451 cfs
2.50 = 371 cfs
2.25 = 300 cfs
2.00 = 236 cfs
1.75 = 180 cfs

Gauge/flow analysis (based on gauge data 1954.10 to 1982.09, and 2000.10 to 2008.09 )
Drainage area at gauge200 sq.mi.
Minimum mean daily flow during gauge period6.6 cfs ( 2007.09.06)
90% of time flow exceeds29 cfs
10% of time flow exceeds553 cfs
Maximum mean daily flow during gauge period12,700 cfs ( 1960.04.28)
10/90 ratio ('flashy-ness')
(under 3 is fairly steady, over 10 is quite 'flashy')
19.1

Gauge Information

Name Range Difficulty Updated Level
BLACK RIVER NEAR BESSEMER, MI
usgs-04031000 200 - 500 cfs IV-V(V+) 02h38m 1360 cfs (rc= 3.9 )

RangeWater LevelDifficultyComment
200 - 500 cfs barely runnable-high runnable IV-V(V+)

Report - Reports of Black D) Lower: Conglomerate Falls to Lake Superior (2.0-2.6 miles) and related gauges

Reports give the public a chance to report on river conditions throughout the country as well as log the history of a river.

Reports

When River/Gauge Subject Level Reporter
Black River [MI] Gorge Falls 270cfs Brock Royer
Black [MI] Hoisting the boats over the put in gate n/a Steve Corsi
Black [MI] Sandstone Falls 180 cfs Mark Mastalski
Black River [MI] Rainbow Falls very low Rob Smage
3y347d14h38m Presque Isle [MN] C.J. Arnold Gorge Falls 300cfs Chris Arnold
4y336d14h38m Black [MI] Staging for the Black 200 cfs Steve Corsi
6y299d14h38m Black [MI] Rainbow Falls 300cfs Nate Alwine
7y321d06h38m Black [MI] Black 315 cfs Rob Smage
8y156d14h38m Black River [MI] Paddling at the base of Gorge Falls. n/a Mark Mastalski