RICKA Flatwater, BVPC and Wilderness Postings

RICKA Flatwater, BVPC and Wilderness Postings
[ RICKA Flatwater, BVPC and Wilderness Postings ]

Lower Pawtuxet USGS Gauge

Posted by Christopher Wakefield on 9/30/2021, 11:40 am

I was planning to try out the lower section of the Pawtuxet river next week. Can anyone tell me what water level at this gauge (https://tinyurl.com/usgspawtux) makes for a nice paddle and/or a difficult/dangerous one?
Thanks

Re: Lower Pawtuxet USGS Gauge

Posted by Erik on 9/30/2021, 5:24 pm, in reply to "Lower Pawtuxet USGS Gauge"

Currently at 4 feet, which is pretty low. Having said that, there are probably lots of strainers down. Trip difficulty is a relative thing.

Re: Lower Pawtuxet USGS Gauge

Posted by Christopher Wakefield on 10/1/2021, 9:47 am, in reply to "Lower Pawtuxet USGS Gauge"

Eric, Thanks for the info.

Re: Lower Pawtuxet USGS Gauge

Posted by Gary P on 10/5/2021, 11:36 am, in reply to "Lower Pawtuxet USGS Gauge"

The last time I paddled this section was Sept. 2019 with RICKA for a cleanup. The river per the USGS was just below 4' and my recollection was that it was easy to paddle and get around while collecting debris in the strainers. The river today is 5.25' due to the recent rain but seems to want to settle back to that 4' level after a couple of dry days.

Re: Lower Pawtuxet USGS Gauge

Posted by Christopher on 10/6/2021, 6:03 pm, in reply to "Lower Pawtuxet USGS Gauge"

Thanks, Gary that's what I was thinking too. I'll post my impressions this weekend.

Re: Lower Pawtuxet USGS Gauge

Posted by Christopher Wakefield on 10/8/2021, 10:00 am, in reply to "Lower Pawtuxet USGS Gauge"

Made the paddle yesterday (Oct 7, 9:45 am).
A gorgeous day. The Gauge was at 4.3 ft and 200 cfs). Seemed like a perfect level. Started out with a male bald eagle flashing his white tail as he led us down the river. He took three more flights before he let us pass. Saw a couple of blue herons too. Didn't encounter any obstacles. Lunched at the southwest corner of Belmont Park. (not too many alluring lunch spots on the river. If I did it again I would hold out for the sandy beach river left on the first bend after going under Rt 1A.) Then down to the Rhodes takeout by 12:45. My buddy stayed with our boats while I took an Uber back to the put-in. My first 'urban' shuttle.

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