The Maryland Natural Resources Police has announced, based on information received from the National Weather Service and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), that boating and other recreational uses of the Upper Potomac River, including creeks and streams should be avoided at this time.

The following is a summary and forecast of river conditions.

Due to recent rainfall, river levels are in the caution stage for recreational use on the main stem of the Potomac River from Cumberland to Harpers Ferry. River levels at Millville are considered hazardous for recreational boating. Due to this stage, river levels from Harpers Ferry downstream to Little Falls will be impacted. Additionally, hazardous water levels along the Monocacy River at Frederick are reported. Due to high water conditions, debris and other objects in the water should be considered.

This advisory has been extended through Monday, September 20, 1999, and will be updated at that time if necessary.

HAZARDOUS STAGES ARE DEFINED AS THOSE LEVELS WHICH BECAUSE OF HYPOTHERMIA, WAVE ACTION–HIGH VELOCITY OR TREACHEROUS CURRENTS–NON-WHITE WATER VESSELS, TUBERS, SWIMMERS, OR FISHERMEN WADING COULD BE CONFRONTED WITH LIFE THREATENING CONDITIONS. THESE CONDITIONS NOT ONLY EXIST ON THE POTOMAC RIVER, BUT ALSO ON ADJACENT STREAMS.

THIS WARNING DOES NOT APPLY TO PROFESSIONALLY GUIDED RIVER TRIPS OR TEAMS OF EXPERIENCED WHITE WATER PADDLERS. THERE ARE ALWAYS RISKS INVOLVED WITH RIVER TRAVEL AT ANY LEVEL. THIS DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT ANY PARTICULAR RAPID OR SECTION OF RIVER MAY NOT BE DANGEROUS AT LOWER LEVELS.

If you desire the latest information on Potomac River conditions between Cumberland and Little Falls, call the National Weather Service at 1-703-260-0305.