The best conditions for a fun paddle with some modest whitewater experience
are when the Archbald Gauge reads between 2.6 and 3.2 feet.
Below 2.6 you may ground out more often.
If you have more paddling experience, levels above 3.2 up to 4.0 feet are exciting.
We wouldn't advise running much above 4.0 unless you are extremely experienced.
Stay away above 5.0. It is extremely dangerous.
Supplied by USGS: Maximum recordable gauge height (stage sensor operational limit) - 19.2 ft; Data transmitter operational limit - 20.4 ft;
Supplied by NWS: Action stage - 6.2 ft; Flood stage - 8 ft; Moderate flood stage - 9 ft; Major flood stage - 10 ft
Supplied by NWS: Action stage - 6 ft; Flood stage - 7.5 ft, water begins to exit channel banks in areas near Parker Street outside of flood control structures; Moderate flood stage - 8 ft, sections of Scranton near Parker Street outside of flood control bank protection begin to get impacted by flood waters; Major flood stage - 9.5 ft; Leggett's Creek
Supplied by NWS: Action stage - 7 ft; Flood stage - 11 ft, some roadways near the Lackawanna River in Old Forge and Moosic begin to be affected; Moderate flood stage - 13 ft, water begins to affect some homes and businesses on both sides of river; Major flood stage - 16 ft, many homes and businesses begin to be affected at this level
Graphical water flow information regarding Stillwater Dam and Aylesworth Dam is available from the USACE Baltimore District. Information on the River's level and discharge are available by accessing data from the four USGS stream flow gauging stations on the main stem of the Lackawanna River at Forest City, Archbald, Leggett's Creek, and Old Forge.