Sowerby Bridge River Levels

Registered Company No 2612775

The Environment Agency is now making its river level data available through its website and there is a gauge immediately above County Bridge (the green pipe on river right). After a day of heavy rain we have an approximate calibration of the level on their gauge against actual river levels. Note: the level of the River Ryburn (coming in under the viaduct) can affect the water level on the white water course but does not register on this gauge.

Important, this is approximate for a guide on whether to go to the club our not. Always check the level at the get on and get off at the club prior to paddling to make sure it is possible to get off safely at the bottom steps. If paddling at higher levels please be vigilant as the river level can rise very rapidly.

Please also read the notes on white water course page about the weir downstream and the need to be able to get off the river at the egress steps.

Dislaimer: Halifax Canoe Club accept no responsibility for injury or loss resulting for using these white water facilities or from this information.

The data below is supplied by the Environment Agency. To see the Sowerby Bridge gauge details in a new window click here.

For other gauges on the Calder or other river in England and Wales click here.

EA Gauge reading	River Condition
No reading	The level of the river is below the lip of the top weir and not registering on the gauge OR it could be broken!
Approx 0.15 - 0.2m	Water at the top of the weir (just coming through the low points) What the club refers to as ‘Normal level’
0.25m	Going over the top weir (just). Channel down river left bank starting to flow.
0.3m	Going over the full length of the top weir and just on the get on platform. River is full width at the egress with larger rocks forming the normal bank still just showing. Foot of egress steps still out of water. Only recommended for experienced paddlers.
0.53m	Going over the full length of the top weir, river is full width at the egress. Egress still just possible for experience paddlers.
1.05m	Water is on the get platform up to the foot of the steps of the red bridge. Egress very difficult in small eddy by egress steps - not recommended. Some slalom wires becoming a hazard
1.3m	Water level half way up arches of county bridge, and up 2 steps on the red bridge. Slalom wires a serious hazard, egress at bottom steps impossible.
2.19 (highest level ever recorded on the gauge)	River just below the top of the arches on County Bridge!! Expect to get wet feet in the changing rooms !!