Upper Potomac River Advisory

On September 7, 2011, the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) announced that boating and other recreational use of the Upper Potomac River, including its creeks and streams, should be avoided until September 9, 2011 and will be updated at that time if necessary.

According to DNR, the advisory is based on information received from the National Weather Service and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).

Due to recent precipitation, river levels are hazardous for recreational use on the main stem of the Upper Potomac River from Cumberland to Little Falls.

Hazardous stages are water levels which pose a threat to non white- water vessels, tubers, swimmers and other recreational users and are caused by wave action, water velocity, and treacherous currents.  This hazardous condition may also exist on tributaries of the Potomac River.

This warning does not apply to professionally guided river trips. NRP reminds boaters to always wear a life jacket; it is mandatory to wear a USCG approved life jacket while boating on the upper Potomac River from November 15 to May 15.

For more the latest information on Potomac River conditions between Cumberland and Little Falls, call the National Weather Service at 703-996-2200. 

NOTE: see the updated Upper Potomac River advisory.