Never go on the river during flooding or high water events.
River Levels
Be aware of rising water levels. Check optimum river levels for boating.
Dangerously high flows can develop very rapidly due to weather and/or dam releases.
Check recent and current river gauge readings on the internet.
If you are at the river, put a stick in the ground at the edge of the water and wait to see if it is rising or falling. Cancel your trip if the river is rising.
PFD and Whistle
One Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) is required per person.
Each boat must carry a device capable of making a sound that's audible for a half-mile (such as an athletic whistle). Operating watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal
Dam
EXTREME DANGER: AVOID the dam in downtown Elmira East of the Grove Street Site! Portage around the dam along the south shore as marked.
Preparation
Let family/friends know you are on the river, where you put in, and where you plan to pull out.
Paddle with others. Have an experienced paddler in the group.
Heat and sun: light clothing, sunglasses, hat, sun block and plenty of fluids.
Windy, cool or rainy weather: can lead to hypothermia, even in summer. Wear or bring layers of wool pile or polypropylene. Avoid cotton.
Keep all gear neatly stored and tied when not in use.
Never tie a rope to yourself or another person.
On the River
Obstacles in the river such as rocks, gravel bars, trees, deadfalls, and dams will form what looks like a "V" pointing upstream (at you). Avoid these and look for "V's" pointing downstream to take advantage of the deeper water flowing between these obstacles.
Downed trees (strainers) on the outside of river bends can be dangerous .Look ahead to anticipate and avoid strainers.
If you are about to collide with a submerged object: lean into it to present the bottom of the canoe to the onrushing water. Leaning away increases the likelihood that you will roll under, swamp the boat and get entangled.
If your boat flips over:.
Hold onto your paddles and the boat if possible, keep the boat below you (downstream). Never position yourself down stream of the boat.
Lie on your back with your feet downstream until you reach a shallow, calm spot or shoreline, then empty the boat and re-enter. Never try to stand up in fast moving water
Canoeing in rough water: kneel down, keep weight centered and as low as possible
Optimum river levels for boating
Chemung River at Elmira: 1 to 4 feet
Chemung River at Chemung: 3 to 6 feet
Chemung River at Corning: 15 to 17 feet
Cohocton River near Campbell: 2 to 3 feet
Canisteo River at West Cameron: 5 to 7 feet - See warning below*.
Tioga River at Lindley: 4 to 7 feet - See warning below*
* Warning! The Canisteo and Tioga River levels can change rapidly due to upstream dam operations.
Optimum river levels are only recommendations. Variable conditions, including shallow stretches, are part of the natural character of Chemung Basin rivers.
Current River Gauge Readings for the Chemung River Basin. Check current levels and recent trends. Posted data is not always correct. Use sound judgment and BEWARE OF RISING WATER.
RIVER LEVELS CAN CHANGE RAPIDLY. All rivers in the Chemung Basin are subject to rapid fluctuations and can rise or fall several feet in a matter of hours.
YOUR SAFETY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
The Chemung Basin River Trail Partnership assumes no responsibility or liability for any injury or loss resulting directly or indirectly from the use of printed or web-based information.
Take Responsibility for Your Safety! Enjoy the River!
Friends of the Chemung River Watershed • 111 N. Main St., Elmira, N.Y. 14901 • (607) 846-2242 • riverfriends@stny.rr.com
