Level boards discrepancies

The reason for the apparent discrepancies in the flood boards at Beeston and Cranfleet on the Trent is due to the Hydro plant at Beeston weir, Tim Radcliffe writes.

As the river goes into flood the water drop across the weir reduces until the power plant is no longer able to operate and shuts down. This creates a not insignificant increase in water level at Beeston.

The side of caution

It is not possible with simple flood boards to accurately reflect the flow regardless of whether the plant is running or not and so, erring on the side of caution, the levels are set to reflect the worst case (ie plant still running).

Even in the situation David described, the narrowing of the river at Thrumpton nip creates a sufficient flow to surprise non regulars on this stretch and amply justifies the 'Caution' warning going upstream from Beeston.