Gauge Description:

This reach is one of AW's latest success stories after a ten-year FERC Settlement process. Flows through Stone Valley are controlled by a series of 5 dams, but paddling levels regularly occur APR-NOV. Flows are a result of recreational releases, minimum instream flows, and "notification" of when natural flows or unscheduled events result in spillage through Stone Valley. Due to the series of dams, there is no dependable real-time flow information so use the flow forecast provided by Reliant Stone Valley Forecast.

The range of flows combined with numerous lines through all rapids, gives the river "multiple personalities".

Note: rapid descriptions in the Rapids  are for 700-900cfs.

APR-MAY: The Raquette has a very large and marshy headwater area that starts in the heart of the Adirondacks at Blue Mountain Lake winding through Long Lake and Tupper Lake. This makes for a long and consistent spring runoff. Flows are generally "MED" to "HAIR!" running 24/7.

Minimum Instream Flows: Once runoff is below facility capacity, only minimum instream flows occur. The upper mile is fun CL IV+ creekin', but you will scrape lots in the lower two miles. Below 180 cfs I would not try to scrape down the last two miles. The Midway take-out is an option at these levels. (See directions below)

APR-JUN: 200 cfs
JUL-NOV: 90-125 cfs

Scheduled Releases: There are 6 scheduled releases Jul-Sept. Release flows are generally between 600 cfs and 900 cfs, but can be as high as 1200 cfs. The schedule is published in the late spring and subject to change due to power emergencies or severe drought.

Sign In: Be sure to sign in whenever you paddle. User data is important to document use of the resource for continued releases. For the six scheduled releases, sign Reliant's roster (grey podium). Sign ADK's trail log all other times and note that you are paddling (brown box).

Ramping Flows: Flows are ramped up and down by a factor of two every hour until the target level is obtained. It takes about 30 minutes for the release bubble to travel the first mile, and about 2 hours for target flows to reach the takeout. Approximately the same amount of time for ramping flows down. BEWARE OF THESE CHANGING LEVELS and plan your runs accordingly. Ramping schedules are generally posted by Reliant on the Stone Valley Forecast site.

Fall Paddling: Once the leaves drop normal rainfall and storage draw-down allows several weeks of paddling mid-Oct through end of Nov. Levels range from LOW to HAIR. Note: Reliant Power does allow hunting on its property in Stone Valley.

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