News Release

NPS issues River Safety Advisory for May 9-11

News Release Date: May 9, 2025
Contact: Kathleen Sandt, 570-234-9144
Contact: Dani Cessna, 570-460-4015

BUSHKILL, PA- Due to rising water levels in the Delaware River, the National Park Service (NPS) at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area announced today that the river and all access points within the park will be closed until levels recede below 15’ at the Montague, NJ gauge. The river is expected to crest at just under 17’ on Saturday evening but could rise even higher depending on precipitation amounts and locations.  Minor river flooding, which is not expected, starts when the river reaches 23’ at this gauge.

Isolated flash flooding of creeks and streams is possible, and motorists are encouraged to drive with caution, especially in low lying areas and areas of poor drainage due to stormwater runoff and ponding on the roadways. 

Park rangers note that when the river rises to these levels, hazardous conditions increase. Higher river levels bring swifter and stronger currents, reduced visibility, colder water temperatures, increased sediment, and debris. 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.

Once the river and access points reopen, a properly fitted and fastened, US Coast Guard-approved lifejacket must be worn at all times by all individuals in any type of vessel until river levels drop below 8’.  

River levels can be monitored at Delaware River at Montague (noaa.gov).

For more information on Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area call [phone]; visit our website at www.nps.gov/dewa; or follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/DelWaterGapNPS.

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.

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