Dangerous River Conditions Force Closure in Delaware Water Gap
The National Park Service has closed the Delaware River within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area due to rising water levels. This safety measure, announced on May 9, includes the river and all access points.
The closure will remain in effect until the river crests and falls below 15 feet at the Montague, New Jersey, gauge. As of Friday afternoon, the water level measured nearly 12 feet with an expected peak of 16.9 feet by Saturday night – high but still below official flood stage.
Life jackets
When the river finally reopens, visitors will need to wear life jackets until water levels drop below 8 feet, as the Pocono Record writes in their coverage of this developing situation.
Park rangers warn that these higher water levels create multiple dangers for river users: “Higher river levels bring swifter and stronger currents, reduced visibility, colder water temperatures, increased sediment, and debris”, the National Park Service said.
Submerged trees
“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.”
The closure comes as Wayne and Pike counties remain under a flood watch through Saturday morning.
