News Release

NPS issues Delaware River Safety Advisory for August 10-11

Date: August 10, 2024
Contact: Kathleen Sandt, 570-234-9144

NPS issues Delaware River Safety Advisory for August 10-11
BUSHKILL, PA- Due to rising water levels in the Delaware River, the National Park Service (NPS) at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area announced today that the river and all access points within the park are closed until levels recede below 15’ at the Montague, NJ gauge. The river is expected to crest at 17’ this afternoon before dropping over the weekend. Minor river flooding, which is not expected, starts when the river reaches 23’ at this gauge.

Park rangers note that when the river rises to these levels, hazardous conditions increase.  Higher river levels bring swifter and stronger currents, reduced visibility, colder water temperatures, increased sediment, and debris. Submerged trees and vegetation on shorelines and islands can catch vessels and people entrapping them in what rangers refer to as a “strainer.” Swift water rescue operations in these conditions also become extremely dangerous for emergency responders.

Once the river and access points reopen, a properly fitted and fastened, US Coast Guard-approved lifejacket must be worn at all times by all individuals in any type of vessel until river levels drop below 8’.  

River levels can be monitored at Delaware River at Montague (noaa.gov).