Links to waterway-specific pages covering interpretation of RiverSat data.
Overview
RiverSat provides historical and forecasted river levels for gauge stations along the Rhine River (Europe) and Mississippi River System (United States). This documentation explains what these values mean in physical terms—specifically, how gauge readings relate to actual navigable water depth in the shipping channel.
Key takeaway: A gauge reading does not equal the actual water depth. Each river system uses different reference datums and methodologies to relate gauge measurements to navigation conditions. Understanding these systems is essential for translating RiverSat forecasts into operational decisions.
River-Specific Documentation
Rhine River — Covers the German GlW/TUGLW reference system, the formula for calculating channel depth, and critical gauge stations like Kaub.
Mississippi River — Covers the U.S. gauge datum system, WAP zone thresholds, and draft restriction triggers.
