🌊 SPW Station 5921 Tabreux · Updated every 15 min

🌊 Ourthe water level today

Current flow: 1.05 m³/s. Navigation is authorized between 2.5 and 65 m³/s. Official SPW data.

💧 Live navigation data — Ourthe

Tabreux station

📡 SPW 5921 · Tabreux-Ourthe

Last update : 29/09 at 17:00

💧 Hydrological data
0m³/s1234
navigability limit 2,5 m³/s 1,05 m³/s
🌤️ Weather conditions
25.4°C Air temperature17.1 km/h Wind40.0% Humidity
🔍 Analysis :
🔎 Flow too low to paddle1,05 m³/s · 2,5–65 m³/s
What this means :
  • ⚠️ Flow too low

📊 Open data — Ourthe

Download the Ourthe data in JSON or CSV format.

⬇️ Download JSON ⬇️ Download CSV

Official sources : SPW Hydrometry · Open Data Wallonia (ODWB) License CC BY 4.0

Is the Ourthe navigable by kayak today?

The Ourthe is navigable by kayak when its flow is between 2.5 and 65.0 m³/s. It is currently 1.1 m³/s: navigation is forbidden. Official SPW data, updated every 15 minutes.

Flow interpretation

What does the Ourthe's current flow tell you?

The highlighted row matches your current situation (1.05 m³/s). Hydrometric station SPW 5921 Tabreux.

Flow (m³/s)LevelStatusInterpretation
0 – 2.5 Too low ⛔ Forbidden No navigation allowed, to protect the rocky bed and the biodiversity of the Ourthe.
2.5 – 10 Very calm ⚠️ Caution Navigable, with the rocky bottom sometimes visible. Suited to experienced kayakers.
10 – 40 Ideal conditions ✅ Allowed Ideal flow for every level. Clear water, and families and beginners are welcome.
40 – 65 Steady current ✅ Allowed Good flow and a faster, more dynamic descent. Beginners should stay alert.
> 65 Flood — Forbidden ⛔ Forbidden Flood flow (> 65 m³/s). Navigation forbidden for your safety.

Flow visualisation (m³/s)

Niveau de l'eau – ourthe Graphique temps réel du débit de la rivière ourthe 1.1 m³/s

Status: Too low (1.05 m³/s)

Forecast · flow and weather

Navigation forecast — Ourthe

Day-by-day estimate based on the weather forecast and past flow data. The official status is set every day by the SPW.

🔒 No reopening expected until Sunday 4 Oct: the flow should peak around 1.5 m³/s, and 2.5 m³/s is needed to paddle.

  1. Today

    29 Sep

    Closed

    💧 1.1 m³/smeasured

  2. Wednesday

    30 Sep

    Closed

    💧 1.3 m³/sestimated

  3. Thursday

    1 Oct

    Closed

    💧 1.5 m³/sestimated

  4. Friday

    2 Oct

    Closed

    💧 1.5 m³/sestimated

  5. Saturday

    3 Oct

    Closed

    💧 1.4 m³/sestimated

  6. Sunday

    4 Oct

    Closed

    💧 1.3 m³/sestimated

❓

Ourthe Kayak FAQ — Water Level & Navigation

Frequently asked questions on kayaking and canoeing on the Ourthe in the Belgian Ardennes: real-time water level, navigability, temperatures, safety conditions and the best periods.

Can you kayak on the Ourthe today?
Navigation on the Ourthe is currently authorized ✅. Flow: 1.1 m³/s, height: 0.19 m.
What is the Ourthe water level right now?
The current level of the Ourthe is 0.19 m for a flow of 1.1 m³/s. Water temperature: 19.0°C.
What is the best day to kayak on the Ourthe?
According to our hydrological forecasts, Sunday seems to be the best day to paddle the Ourthe over the next few days.
Is the water of the Ourthe cold?
The water temperature of the Ourthe is currently 19.0°C. Comfortable conditions for paddling.
Can the KSA GPS be used without a mobile network?
Yes. Once loaded the first time, the app caches the mapping and the points of interest. GPS navigation keeps working offline, and only the live community alerts need a connection.
How are the safety alerts verified?
Each community alert is checked against the official SPW Hydrometry Wallonia data. Critical alerts (flood, closed weir) trigger a push notification that an expert moderator has validated.
How is the kayak drift calculated?
To estimate the lateral drift in m/s on each river segment, the algorithm cross-references GPS speed, instantaneous SPW flow, the bathymetric profile and wind.
Is the app compatible with Strava or Garmin?
Yes. You can export tracks as GPX, KML and FIT and import them directly into Strava, Garmin Connect, Suunto and Komoot.
Is access to the hydrological API paid?
No. Any customer who makes a kayak booking on the official KSA platform gets free access to the hydrological forecast algorithm API.

Water level, safety & regulations — the Ourthe

🌊 Water level & navigability

Can you kayak on the Ourthe today?
Navigation on the Ourthe is currently forbidden. Measured discharge: 1.1 m³/s, height: 0.19 m (reading from 29/09/2026 à 17:00). Navigable threshold: 2.5 to 65.0 m³/s (station SPW 5921 Tabreux). Always check the live indicator just before setting off, as the discharge can change quickly.
What is the water level of the Ourthe right now?
The current level of the Ourthe is 0.19 m for a discharge of 1.1 m³/s, water temperature: 19.0°C.
What is the official navigability threshold for the Ourthe?
The Ourthe is officially navigable between 2.5 and 65.0 m³/s, measured at station SPW 5921 Tabreux. These thresholds are based on the hydrometric network data of the Service Public de Wallonie (SPW) and regional waterway navigation regulations. Full detail on our reference page for navigable flow rates in Wallonia (FR).
Why can navigation be forbidden even in good weather?
A river's level depends on rain that fell upstream, sometimes days earlier and dozens of kilometres away. the Ourthe can therefore be in flood under a blue sky. Only the discharge actually measured at the station is authoritative, never the look of the sky.
Can I be alerted when navigation becomes possible again?
Yes. The “Alert me” button, available on the site's water level pages, signs you up for an email notification as soon as the navigation status of the Ourthe changes. See the Ourthe's live water level.

🎒 Preparing your descent

What is the best time to kayak on the Ourthe?
The best period depends on discharge, weather and regulations. Spring and autumn often offer generous discharge; summer is the busiest and can see the level drop during dry spells. The best habit is always to check the discharge on the day itself.
Can you kayak on the Ourthe after heavy rain?
Heavy rain can quickly raise the discharge. This can temporarily improve conditions if the level was too low, but a large rise can also make the current dangerous. Check the discharge and any restrictions before setting off.
Can you kayak on the Ourthe when it's raining?
Light rain doesn't prevent a descent. However, a thunderstorm, heavy rainfall or a rapid rise in water level can make navigation dangerous. In case of a storm, take shelter and follow safety instructions.
What should I do if the water level changes during my descent on the Ourthe?
If you notice a rapid rise in the current, a flood, or a significant deterioration of conditions, reach the bank as soon as possible in a safe area and get out of the water. Do not try to continue your route at all costs.

🛟 Safety

Do you need to know how to swim to kayak on the Ourthe?
Knowing how to swim is strongly recommended. Wearing a suitable buoyancy aid remains essential, but it does not replace swimming skills and basic safety rules.
Is a life jacket mandatory?
Always wear a suitable, properly fitted buoyancy aid. It is provided with every rental. Check with the operator which equipment is provided and the rules that apply to your chosen route.
What is the minimum age to kayak on the Ourthe?
The minimum age depends on the route, the day's discharge, weather conditions and the operator's rules. Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult, in a suitable two-seater or family kayak.
Do you need a wetsuit to paddle on the Ourthe?
This mainly depends on water temperature, weather, season and the risk of falling in. The colder the water, the more important a suitable wetsuit becomes. Check the temperature shown on the dashboard before setting off.
What should you do if you capsize (fall in the water) on the Ourthe?
Stay calm, stay with your boat if possible and head to a safe bank. Never try to fight against a powerful current.

🗺️ Route

Which kayak route should you choose on the Ourthe?
The choice depends on your level, the desired duration, your physical condition and the day's discharge. Short, calm routes suit beginners and families better, while longer routes demand more endurance.
How long does a kayak descent on the Ourthe take?
Duration depends on the chosen route, the discharge, the wind, breaks and the participants' level. Times shown on the site are therefore estimates, not guaranteed schedules.
Can you stop during a descent on the Ourthe?
Stopping options depend on the route and authorised zones. Respect access points, private property, protected areas and any landing bans.

📅 Booking & conditions

What happens if navigation is forbidden on the day of my booking?
Contact the operator you booked with to find out the options for postponement, cancellation or refund: the exact conditions depend on the specific booking.
Can you book if the water level is currently too low?
Yes, you can check availability for a future date, but a booking does not guarantee navigation conditions: the actual level must always be checked before departure.
When should you check the water level of the Ourthe before setting off?
Ideally the day before to plan your visit, then again on the morning itself or just before getting on the water. In unstable weather or heavy rain, check conditions regularly.

🌿 Environment

Why should you respect navigation restrictions on the Ourthe?
Restrictions are not only about kayakers' safety: they also help preserve the riverbed, aquatic habitats and sensitive natural areas.
Can you land anywhere along the Ourthe?
No. Only use authorised access and landing areas, and respect private property as well as protected natural areas.
How can you kayak without damaging the Ourthe?
Leave no litter, avoid touching or moving stones and vegetation, respect sensitive areas and limit noise. Best practice is to leave the river in the same state you found it.

📊 Data & reliability

Where does the discharge data shown on this page come from?
The hydrological data shown is based on information from the Service Public de Wallonie (SPW) measuring stations, supplemented where indicated by weather data and our own forecasting calculations.
Can I use this page as my only source to decide whether to paddle?
No. This page is an information and decision-support tool. Also check any official restrictions, the weather, local conditions and the instructions of the operator or competent authorities before any outing.
Why can the discharge shown here differ from what's shown elsewhere?
Services may use different stations, different measurement times or different calculation methods. Always check the station, the measurement time and the source before comparing two values.

🚨 In case of emergency

What should I do if I fall in the water on the Ourthe?
Keep your life jacket on, stay away from obstacles and try to reach a safe area. If you cannot get out of the water or are injured, contact emergency services immediately.
What should I do in case of a sudden flood on the Ourthe?
Get out of the water as soon as it can be done safely and move away from the riverbed. Never try to cross a flooded current, and follow the authorities' instructions.
What number should you call in an emergency in Belgium?
Dial 112, Belgium's single emergency number for any intervention by rescue services (police, fire brigade, ambulance).

Live water levels: compare the rivers

📊 Navigable flows: the official threshold table
🌊 Water level Semois0.83 m³/s⛔ Navigation forbidden🌊 Water level Lesse0.83 m³/s⛔ Navigation forbidden🌊 Water level Amblève0.74 m³/s⛔ Navigation forbidden🌊 Water level Viroin0.35 m³/s⛔ Navigation forbidden🌊 Water level Salm…Water level🌊 Water level Bocq0.92 m³/s✅ Navigable🌊 Water level Meuse15.9 m³/sRiver · Low water

SPW readings updated every 15 minutes

🛶 All kayak routes on the Semois🛶 Kayaking the Lesse from Dinant