River Hot Line

Announcements
This is the Lower Susquehanna River update for Thursday August 7. The average river flow into Safe Harbor is 7900 cfs and rising slowly. The condition of the water is clear and 79.8 degrees. There was no precipitation reported at Safe Harbor from 8am yesterday. The current forecasted average daily river flow into Safe Harbor for the following days is 7,500, 7,700 and 7,900 cubic feet per second. The Safe Harbor forebay elevation at 6am Thursday was 226.6’. The elevation on Safe Harbor’s Lake Clarke is scheduled to be regulated between top level, 227.2’ and 3.2’ below top level. Although there is no water scheduled to spill through the flood gates on the Safe Harbor dam, there are certain operating contingencies that could cause Safe Harbor to begin spilling water through their floodgates at any time. Be aware of this danger and stay well clear of the Safe Harbor dam. Safe Harbor has installed a buoy line approx. 1500 feet above their dam. Stay well above this buoy line. Below Safe Harbor the tailrace area can vary several feet in a matter of minutes during normal operating conditions. Once again be aware of these dangers and pay close attention to varying water levels at Safe Harbor Dam. The elevation of Holtwood’s Lake Aldred is scheduled to be regulated between 169.75’ and 167.5’ today and tomorrow. Holtwood is not scheduled to spill water over top of their dam but keep in mind that certain operating contingencies could cause Holtwood to begin spilling water at any time. Spill begins at Holtwood at elevation 169.75’. Please stay off of the rocks below the Holtwood dam or you could easily find yourself trapped by rising water. Be aware of these dangers and do not go anywhere near the Holtwood dam at any time on any day. There are warning buoys above the Holtwood dam. Do not go below the warning sign on the tower located approximately one mile above the Holtwood dam. Again do not go anywhere near either side of the Holtwood dam. Safe Harbor is scheduled to generate around the clock. Holtwood will be generating up until 8:00pm. Keep in mind that all generation schedules as well as lake elevations are always subject to change at any time without notice. The Safe Harbor fishermen’s bridge is currently open from 6am until 8:30pm daily. This report will be updated daily to keep you informed. Once again we remind you, beware of the water that could spill over top of the Holtwood dam at any time and the possibility of water having to be spilled through the floodgates at the Safe Harbor dam. Thank you and have a Safe Day.

General Conditions
Remember, generating schedules and lake elevations are subject to change without notice due to operating conditions. Maintain a safe distance above and below both the Safe Harbor dam and the Holtwood dam. Rising water levels and swift currents pose serious safety hazards. People along the rocks below Safe Harbor must be aware of constantly changing water levels. The Safe Harbor tailrace elevations vary greatly, water levels change several feet in a very short time. Boaters and fisherman, please stay alert to all warning sirens and changing water levels. Heed the spill sirens, a long continuous siren, and leave the area immediately. Spill could occur at any time with little or no notice. Lake Clarke boaters...buoys have been placed 1500' upriver of the Safe Harbor dam, these buoys mark restricted water....Boats must stay outside the buoy line. The Washington Boro area is reported to be "shallower" as the result of silting. Watercraft users are urged to use extreme caution in this area. For your safety, please stay away from both the Safe Harbor Dam and the Holtwood Dam. Boaters should stay well upstream of the Holtwood Dam. PPL recommends that boats turn around at the Pinnacle Narrows, about one mile above the dam. This is the location of the large dam warning signs on either side, and middle of the river. It is extremely dangerous to get near either side of the Holtwood dam. For your own safety do not attempt to go out on the rocks below the Holtwood dam. Changing water levels and swift currents have trapped people on these rocks. Be aware and stay well clear of both sides of the Holtwood dam. For more information, call the Lower Susquehanna River Hotline...1-800-692-6328.






Build one, you get the other!

Create a hydroelectric generating plant in one of America's mightiest rivers and you automatically create a haven for nature lovers and water-sports enthusiasts.

Welcome to the Safe Harbor hydroelectric station and Lake Clarke.

The recreational facilities provided by the Safe Harbor Water Power Corporation are open to all members of the public without discrimination.

On this web site, you'll have an opportunity to:

Whether you're fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the beauty of a day by the water, it is our hope that the time you spend with us here will make your real-time visit even more pleasurable.

For information on river conditions call the Lower Susquehanna River Hotline at 1-800-692-6328 from any location within Pennsylvania.



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