Affiliate & Advertising Disclosure

2. Our Strict Editorial Independence

ClearGauge is first and foremost a scientific river intelligence platform. Our primary goal is to provide paddlers, anglers, and boaters with accurate, real-time hydrologic streamflow data.

• Condition Verdicts Are Never Sponsored: Our flow status determinations (Low Flow, Normal Flow, High Water, Flood Risk) are calculated via mathematical algorithms comparing real-time USGS telemetry against approved historical percentiles. No commercial advertiser, outfitter, or sponsor can alter or influence these verdicts.
• Objective Equipment Evaluations: When we mention or recommend safety gear (such as USCG-approved PFDs, throw bags, drysuits, or river knives) in our educational articles, evaluations are based strictly on manufacturer specifications, published lab ratings, USCG/CE certification standards, and established outdoor safety benchmarks.
• No Paid Positive Reviews: We do not accept payment in exchange for positive reviews or favorable coverage. If an equipment brand ever provides review samples or test equipment, that fact is explicitly disclosed within the article.

3. Affiliate Networks & Partner Programs

ClearGauge may partner with reputable outdoor, paddling, angling, and recreation merchants through approved affiliate networks, including but not limited to:

• AvantLink: Connecting our platform with verified outdoor gear brands, paddle manufacturers, and regional fly-fishing retailers.
• Amazon Services LLC Associates Program: ClearGauge is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
• Independent Outfitter & River Gear Affiliates: Select specialty retailers that serve the swiftwater rescue, kayak, and whitewater community.

4. Display Advertising & Google AdSense

In addition to affiliate links, ClearGauge displays third-party contextual advertisements, including advertisements served through the Google AdSense network. These advertisements are clearly demarcated as “Sponsored” or “Ads” and are served automatically by Google based on contextual relevance and cookie policies.

For details on how advertising cookies are collected and managed, please review our Privacy Policy.

5. How Your Support Helps

Operating ClearGauge requires continuous compute resources to poll hundreds of USGS and NWS sensors every 15 minutes, maintain low-latency databases, generate interactive streamflow charts, and publish free hydrological educational guides.

Purchasing gear through our affiliate links directly supports server costs and ongoing maintenance, allowing us to keep real-time stream conditions 100% free and open to the public without paywalls. We deeply appreciate your support.