Are low water levels normal for May (Moselle and/or Rhine)?

I’ve been reading about the extremely low water level this summer - what is it like traditionally in the spring?

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To answer your header to this thread: no, it is not. Neither river has any low level close to this in May. On the Moselle low water is not a problem throughout the year on the stretch used by river cruise ships.

As regards what is traditional in Spring: flooding during/after the snow melt. Flooding is usually - depending on the year - from March till beginning of May. That means little flooding that has not impact on river cruising on a quite a few days in that time frame. Or official flooding status with or without river closure on a few days in that time frame. Or both. Rain can bring flooding in June occasionally but is then usually mild. Exceptions to this rule are possible. Every year is different. Both rivers react similarly and the time frame is more or less the same as the weather patterns are similar. The rivers connect both physically and in how they are affected by rain sweeping over the regions. But they can differ in the extent of flooding.

notamermaid

To answer your header to this thread: no, it is not. Neither river has any low level close to this in May. On the Moselle low water is not a problem throughout the year on the stretch used by river cruise ships.

 

 

As regards what is traditional in Spring: flooding during/after the snow melt. Flooding is usually - depending on the year - from March till beginning of May. That means little flooding that has not impact on river cruising on a quite a few days in that time frame. Or official flooding status with or without river closure on a few days in that time frame. Or both. Rain can bring flooding in June occasionally but is then usually mild. Exceptions to this rule are possible. Every year is different. Both rivers react similarly and the time frame is more or less the same as the weather patterns are similar. The rivers connect both physically and in how they are affected by rain sweeping over the regions. But they can differ in the extent of flooding.

 

 

notamermaid

We are supposed to cruise Sept 24 from Trier to Basel on the Paris to Swiss Alps Trip. (Trip starts the 22nd in Paris) My understanding from this is that sailing to Koblenz looks good. After Koblenz what stretch on the Rhine has the most crucial water level at this time. Feeling concern as we did not book our flights with Viking & also booked our own pre extension in Paris. Short notice from Viking if the cruise is cancelled would make plans very difficult. Lesson learned may be that one should book all plans with the cruise company!