Times Observer file photo A water rescue crew from the Glade Volunteer Fire Department brings a man and his kayak to the boat launch at Betts Park after an overturned kayak in 2021

The Kinzua Dam is releasing 11,000 cubic feet of water every second (CFS) into the Allegheny River – making the river fairly high and dangerous.

“We stop taking people on the river when the discharge is above 5,000 CFS, ” said Piper VanOrd of Allegheny Outfitters in Warren. “Even if the water is running out of the dam at 3,500 CFS, we start to question people about their experience. We might advise an inexperienced family with two young children to try the river on a different day.”

The danger does not always come from a lack of experience. High waters send whole trees racing down the river that come up suddenly and can hit boats. Strainers are trees that are blocking part of the waterway, usually along the curve of the waterway. Boats often end up getting sucked into and under the tree, resulting in drowning.

VanOrd described how her family watched a canoe tip over years ago during a high water event. The boaters ended up clinging to the strainer, barely holding on, as the current attempted to suck them under. Emergency personnel were able to rescue them before they were seriously hurt.

“Nobody plans for an accident, right? That’s why they are called accidents, and they can happen to the most experienced boaters.” VanOrd said. “But it’s important to stay off the water when it’s this high. It puts you at risk, as well as the emergency personnel that have to go out and rescue you. Even worse, innocent bystanders who can’t stand to see someone in danger may try to help and be hurt when they get far outside their experience level. The best thing to do is call 911 and let the professionals handle it.” Even better, stay off the water so that help isn’t needed.

Right now, the Allegheny is over six and a half feet deep where it meets the Conewango Creek. There are lots of alternatives to the Allegheny. If the water is high, visitors can get on the water at the Kinzua Reservoir or at Chapman State Park.