| RIVER: | The name of the river(s), and section name if more than one section is described or 'known' to be likely to be boated. The section will generally be named either for the put-in area or for a feature unique to the section. Identifying a section using the takeout for names is generally ill advised, since there may be tributaries or other branches of the river which use the same takeout.
I also refrain from using numeric designations. If sections up river are subsequently detailed, one is stuck with either renumbering or having section "zero", "minus one", et cetera. There is also possible discrepancy between sources. For example, Whitewater; Quietwater refers to the 'Roaring Rapids section' of the Peshtigo as 'Section 3,' while another river book I have refers to it as 'Section 4.' Additionally, to those unfamiliar with the designations, a numeric section name has no "inherent" meaning and adds no "flavor" to the name. |
| LOCATION: | Some combination of Town/County/State/description of how to find the river if remote. |
| PUT-IN: | The recommended or usual starting point for a trip |
| ALT.PUT-IN: | Other choices, either upstream or down |
| TAKE-OUT: | The recommended or usual ending point for a trip |
| ALT.TAKE-OUT: | Other choices, either upstream or down |
| SHUTTLE: | In general, directions will be given from the recommended take out to the recommended put-in. This is done mostly because it thereby serves not only as shuttle directions, but also helps to locate the put-in on your first trip there. Many of these trips have been done using one motor-vehicle and biking the shuttle, and some involve no shuttle, since they are "park & play" spots. |
| DIST: | Approximate length of the run, probably within 1/4 mi accuracy. Where alternate put-ins/take-outs exist, this may be expressed as a range (e.g. 2-5 mi), or a value for the recommended section, followed by a parenthetical value for the 'alternate' section(s). |
| TIME: | Obviously this varies with river level, experience and propensity to play of the boater/group, number of times scouting/portaging are necessary, etc. The values given are an average time to enjoy the trip, but you may use considerably more or less. |
| CLASS: | The overall rating of the section, with any particular exceptions noted in parenthesis. These will be further elaborated upon in the description. Use the 'standard' I thru VI rating system, and 0 for flat water. |
| CHARACTER: | A brief indication of what to expect, including such descriptions as continuous, pool/drop, ledges, boulder garden, dells, canyon, and so forth to catch the 'flavor' of the run. |
| GAUGE: | If a marked gauge exists at or near enough the section of river as to be useful, or when the gauge is available on the Internet, give specific
range of runnable levels. These may be either level (in inches or feet) or flow (in cfs). Where possible, a (subjective) "minimum", "optimum" and "high" level will be included. Note: "Optimum" refers as much (or more) to the 'reasonableness' of catching the river at a level as it does to the playability/runnability of the reach. Many experienced boaters may find the "high" level to be their preferred level, but be aware that (for many of these runs) odds of being able to catch them at that level are generally slim. Since most of these are 'small', 'lesser known' rivers/sections, the 'gauge' will often be an 'indicator of runnability'. This may be a comparative indicator (such as: "when the gauge for ____ is at ___") or a river/section-specific indicator (such as: "if the rapids at ___ look runnable...", or "measure down from ..."). If feasible, include both types of indicator when no marked gauge exists. |
| SEASON: | A characterization of when the section is likely to be runnable. Examples: "spring/heavy rains only", "boatable during all but very dry spells", "April-June", "scheduled releases".
Obviously it varies by year and by river, but to generalize, "spring" for rivers typically comes as follows: Southern Wisconsin ~ March 15, Northern Wisconsin ~ March 29, Michigan U.P. ~ April 15, and Minnesota North Shore ~ April 22. |
| ANALYSIS: | For rivers which have a U.S.G.S. gauge with historical data, the following information will be listed:
Min. = the all time historical low flow for the gauge site 90% = the gauge reading which is exceeded 90% of the time (low flow) 10% = the gauge reading which is exceeded 10% of the time (high flow) Max. = the all time historical high flow for the gauge site 10/90= the ratio of high flow to low flow readings. Values less than 3 indicate a steady, even flow. Values greater than 10 indicate a 'flashy', 'jumpy' flow. Additionally, a breakdown of historical data will be provided showing (for various semi-strategic flows) how many days per year, and how many years, on average, the river will flow at that rate or higher. NOTE: If a river flows ">1000cfs" an average of 5 days per year, and flows ">500cfs" an average of 30 days per year, 5 of those 30 days are the days listed also as ">1000cfs". This is to say, do not add up the various day tallies . . . they are already cumulative! |
| DESCRIPTION: | An account of what will be found as you proceed down the river. This may include scenery, landmarks, warnings with respect to special hazards on or off the river, which direction is 'generally' best to go around islands or other known semi-permanent features where a choice may be necessary or wise, and (perhaps most importantly) what features are present to make the whole thing worthwhile (I.E. rapids, ledges, waves, holes, etc.). Include specific names where rapids/falls/etc. have been named, either 'officially,' by 'locals,' or by boaters' designation. Mention of runnable tributaries or branches may be indicated, as well as any interesting off-river highlights worth checking out. |