
As an explanation of the Dart Cam
The web cam is situated on River Right just before the get out at the RDCP. There are 3 horizontal black lines. These have been associated with the slab at Newbridge (the get-in for the Loop and get-out for the Upper sections). This slab has long been used by paddlers as a level gauge.
The bottom black line on the red board is level/just lapping on to the lowest part of the slab at Newbridge
The middle black line is when the river is flowing through the 3rd arch of Newbridge
Top black line is when the level is up on perhaps the 3rd step at Newbridge
Do not be fooled by the scale, the red post is a lot bigger in reality than it looks in the image. The bottom line is 2 inch wide black tape and the distance to the middle line is, perhaps, 2 feet (the difference between a pleasant paddle and a right kicking!)
For those of you unfamiliar with what this all means
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6” below Newbridge Ledge: represents the normal winter background level. The river is low and a bit rocky but certainly paddleable. The ‘Upper’ is mostly grade 3/4, some grade 4 rapids. The ‘Loop’ provides some shallow rapids and only small waves to surf, nothing really to kick you – although Lovers can be ‘pinny’
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Just creeping onto the lower edge of the ledge (upstream end) As far as I can judge, this is just creeping up to the bottom black line. More or less as the image above. This is ideal for most. The ‘Upper’ has 10 or so Class 4 drops, the rest is Class III and III+. The ‘Loop ’- you won't bottom out anywhere really, all the named rapids are good play spots. The Loop is a genuine Grade 3 at this level - you need the right line on several rapids – but it is all very friendly
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Lapping all ledge (On lowest black line) Medium to high – The ‘Upper’ is probably the ideal level for most, forgiving grade 4 The Loop is quite full on and’ intermediates’ may find it a challenging grade 3 run
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Covering the entire ledge (Lowest black line covered) Medium/High - Solid grade 4 many boaters' idea of high On the ‘Loop’ Washing machine, Lovers and T3 are quite serious now if you are off-line, and Holne Weir is nasty although still runnable hard left
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Just going through 3rd Arch (Middle Black Line) 1 to 2 ft on the ledge is very high – The ‘Upper’ is a kicking grade 4+ with consequences. Inspect at first ledge for sneak route right. Most boaters' idea of scary high and may be wise to start looking for alternatives. The ‘Loop’ is a fast and furious G3 run where intermediates will struggle
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3-4ft plus on the ledge/ 1ft+ going through the 3rd arch/ starting to go up the steps (Top black line) flooding – The ‘Upper’ is full on, huge, possibly grade 5 from the ledges to 'Surprise, surprise'. Experts only. The Loop goes out of grade with the river into the trees on many rapids, and Zones of Funny Water abound. This is a wicked level if you're self sufficient, but it's time to get anyone who isn't bombproof off the river
Please don’t forget that when you are looking at the Newbridge ledge when you are getting on the river you are enjoying rainfall that happened 4 to 6 hours ago. Levels can change very quickly. You should think about the amount of rain that’s been falling since that time!! Is the river level on the up or dropping?The above info has been gleaned both from direct observation and from various contributions, by others, made to UKRGB forum discussions over the last few years - don't take anything as 'gospel' and make your own judgements on the day - to avoid 'Judgement Day' 