Dangerous water on the Potomac
Runoff from heavy rain and snow melt are not a problem just on the Susquehanna this week. The Maryland Natural Resources Police have issued an advisory, warning against most recreational uses of the Upper Potomac River, through Friday.
Based on data from the National Weather Service and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, the DNR said hazardous river levels persist this week on the Upper Potomac all the way from Cumberland, in Allegany County, to Little Falls, in Montgomery County. Here's a look at data from Point of Rocks.
Wading fishermen, swimmers (in March!?) and anyone venturing onto the river in non-whitewater boats or tubes runs a risk of life-threatening hypothermia, wave action, high-velocity or treacherous currents, the DNR police said.
These hazardous conditions exist along the Potomac itself, as well as on adjacent rivers and creeks.
The advisory does not apply to "professionally guided river trips," or "teams of experienced whitewater paddlers," the police said. All the same, be careful out there. We don't need to be writing any search and rescue stories.
For river condition updates, call 703 260-0305.
Here's another shot of the Potomac as it can be when the water is high and fast. It was shot at Mather Gorge by Emmy Truckenmiller. No date is provided. Used here with permission from American Whitewater.
