Tuesday, December 26, 2006
California Winter Storm Warning
Rain and snow will cover most of the West tomorrow. Snow should fall down to 3,000 feet in the Sierras. Good snowpack on the summit for skiers and snowboarders should keep holiday vacationers happy at their favorite resorts though the weather may hamper some.
Currently, freezing rain is falling at Sugar Bowl. A winter storm warning for the pass is in affect as 5 to 8 inches of snow is predicted to fall tonight. An 80% chance that an additional 3 to 5 inches of snow will fall on Wednesday. By tomorrow night, very cold weather will hit the summit with predictions of 13 degrees farenheight.
All this build-up will be helpful for California's water content. A few more months to go until the rafting season starts. Start calling your California rafting outfitter for trips and excursions!
Currently, freezing rain is falling at Sugar Bowl. A winter storm warning for the pass is in affect as 5 to 8 inches of snow is predicted to fall tonight. An 80% chance that an additional 3 to 5 inches of snow will fall on Wednesday. By tomorrow night, very cold weather will hit the summit with predictions of 13 degrees farenheight.
All this build-up will be helpful for California's water content. A few more months to go until the rafting season starts. Start calling your California rafting outfitter for trips and excursions!
Labels: american river, rafting, trips
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
North Fork American NOAA Project
Temporary weather stations were installed on the North Fork American as part of a greater project on the American River. The research project is headed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminstration. Tim Schneider, manager of the project said, "There's really nowhere else in the U.S. that has this collection of instrumentation." The American River flows will be the proving ground for the Sacramento area since flooding is a major concern.
More than 30 stations were set up along the North Fork American River. The stations will measure a slew of data including a portable Doppler radar that will help to track storms throughout the watershed. Rob Hartman, hydrologist for the National Weather Service River Forecast Center in Sacramento says, "We can pin down which portion of the watershed that's being rained on v.s. snowed on, which has a big impact on flow conditions."
NOAA placed these gauges in an attempt to provide analysis for predicting "Pineapple Express" path of storms that regularly hit the Sacramento Region. These warm storms that hit large snowpacks in the varying watersheds of the Sierras causes a torrent of water to flow from these rivers and towards the metropolitan areas of Sacramento. The warnings could provide better response for dam releases based on these predictions.
Though the stations are temporary, they will eventually replace the current standards as funding is made available.
Thanks to Matt Weiser of the Sacramento Bee
More than 30 stations were set up along the North Fork American River. The stations will measure a slew of data including a portable Doppler radar that will help to track storms throughout the watershed. Rob Hartman, hydrologist for the National Weather Service River Forecast Center in Sacramento says, "We can pin down which portion of the watershed that's being rained on v.s. snowed on, which has a big impact on flow conditions."
NOAA placed these gauges in an attempt to provide analysis for predicting "Pineapple Express" path of storms that regularly hit the Sacramento Region. These warm storms that hit large snowpacks in the varying watersheds of the Sierras causes a torrent of water to flow from these rivers and towards the metropolitan areas of Sacramento. The warnings could provide better response for dam releases based on these predictions.
Though the stations are temporary, they will eventually replace the current standards as funding is made available.
Thanks to Matt Weiser of the Sacramento Bee
Labels: american river, flows, north fork, rafting, trips
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Santa Surfing!
Rumors of Santa Claus surfing the waves at Hermosa Beach were partially true. When asked if he was the real Santa, he answered, "No, just a relative!" as he once again dove back into the surf. Santa, aka Vince Ray of L.A.'s Original Surfing Lessons, at 6 feet 4 inches, loomed large on his board as he paddled through the waves. In his custom Santa suit made of neoprene, his wetsuit, beard and hat stayed put as he surfed and paddled. Ray made quite a stir with the kids as they all were amused at this surfing Santa.
You better watch out! Santa Claus (the real deal) is coming to town... maybe down the chimney or paddling on the river or surfing in the ocean... but I guarantee you, he'll be there soon.
You better watch out! Santa Claus (the real deal) is coming to town... maybe down the chimney or paddling on the river or surfing in the ocean... but I guarantee you, he'll be there soon.
Labels: paddling, rafting, surfing, trips
Saturday, December 09, 2006
James Kim
James Kim, a 35 year old internet journalist was found dead near the Rogue River on Wednesday. An editor for CNET, he was desperately searching for help for his wife and children who stayed lost in their car. A US Forest Service road that had been gated and locked in November had been vandalized and opened. This deceptive opening was the beginning of a series of tragic errors when the Kim family became lost in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. That road allowed them access in a place where access is limited by snow and unsafe driving conditions. They were stopped in their tracks as they realized that they were lost on an impassable road. After waiting it out for a week, burning through their gas and tires to keep warm and eating the only food they had, James finally left his wife and children to look for help. His goal was to save his family and yet, he tragically lost his life to hypothermia.
The rest of the family was found when helicopters traced footsteps in the snow back to the car. The terrible ironies are many as the story unfolds. The road that they were on was diverted to a vandalized, unlocked gate, then the detour road ended at a hunting and fishing lodge with firewood and provisions that they never reached, and James died just a mile from the car after looping around helplessly.
The tragedy did not need to happen. Whoever vandalized that gate allowed an unknowing victim to drive through and tragically die. Gates and locks are vandalized throughout the Forest Service and State Park systems and now this proves what consequences can happen when an access is illegally opened. We hope full prosecution occurs if and when they find the vandals. Their actions caused the death of James Kim and we hope that a district attorney will prosecute them fully.
The rest of the family was found when helicopters traced footsteps in the snow back to the car. The terrible ironies are many as the story unfolds. The road that they were on was diverted to a vandalized, unlocked gate, then the detour road ended at a hunting and fishing lodge with firewood and provisions that they never reached, and James died just a mile from the car after looping around helplessly.
The tragedy did not need to happen. Whoever vandalized that gate allowed an unknowing victim to drive through and tragically die. Gates and locks are vandalized throughout the Forest Service and State Park systems and now this proves what consequences can happen when an access is illegally opened. We hope full prosecution occurs if and when they find the vandals. Their actions caused the death of James Kim and we hope that a district attorney will prosecute them fully.
Monday, December 04, 2006
River, Rafting News - California
Lots of rafting news starting with California's South Fork American River.
- Friends of the River, a non-profit river conservation group, is asking for written support of the recent proposal for Wild and Scenic status on this most popular river in the West. Deadline for written comments from the public to the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) for South Fork American Wild and Scenic status is December 13, 2006. Write to: BLM, Folsom Field Office, ATTN: RMP Coordinators, 63 Natomas St, Folsom, CA 95630
- Lower Owens River will flow again on Wednesday, December 6, 2006 when Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa turns the crank to divert the water from the aquaduct to flow into the original river corridor. Rent "Chinatown" with Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway to get a Hollywood version of the corruption that allowed the diversion in the first place. LORP - Lower Owens River Project has been in the works in some fashion since the diversion began in 1913.
- River rafters over 50 years old may find special discounts this year with several rafting companies throughout California and the nation. Ask when reserving a rafting trip about "senior discounts." Wear your age proudly; you deserve it!
- Teen rafting encourages families to recreate together. There's a great book for families on teen substance abuse that every family should read regardless if you suspect drug use or not. From "Binge to Blackout" this story was written by a mother and son (The Volkmann's) as they wade through the mess of drug and alcohol abuse.
- We're getting into the doldrums of winter... now's the time to start working out for a season of rafting. If you're not an athlete, just get out and start walking around your neighborhood. Pick up the pace after a couple of weeks with a faster walk and keep hydrated by carrying a small water bottle. Energy, balance and stamina will increase within a month.
- California rafting outfitters send a heartfelt prayer to French Broad Rafting Expeditions who experienced a devastating warehouse fire last week. With no fire insurance and 17 years in business, twin brothers, Michael and Mitchell Hampton, was quoted,"I've been in the rafting industry for 17 years. I took out a second mortgage on my house to be able to build this business. We have a staff of about 60 people, many of whom depend on us for work. A lot will have to be done between now and next season." Faulty wiring near a waterheater may have been the cause.
Labels: american river, rafting, trips
