Thursday, May 08, 2008
California American River Whitewater Trips
California's whitewater rafting season has begun. The Sacramento Bee in Northern California recently partnered with the well-known whitewater rafting company, W.E.T. River Trips in a historical event on the three forks of the American River. They called it the Rafting Triple Crown or Rapid Fire.
Rare is the day when all three whitewater sections of the American River are runnable. Due to spring runoff and dam schedules, North Fork American, South Fork American and Middle Fork American are rarely flowing at the same time. This past week, The Sacramento Bee, Good Blood Productions and W.E.T. River Trips accomplished a record setting time on running all three whitewater sections in less than 12 hours in one day.
Ryan MacPherson, who works for W.E.T. River Trips as a safety kayaker on the class 4+ North Fork American owns his own video production company, Good Blood Productions. Ryan recently finished working with the documentary, "The Deadliest Catch" on the Discovery Channel. W.E.T. River Trips has given Sacbee.com permission to post the video for their readers.
Congratulations to this California rafting company and the great publicity for all the whitewater companies in the west.
Rare is the day when all three whitewater sections of the American River are runnable. Due to spring runoff and dam schedules, North Fork American, South Fork American and Middle Fork American are rarely flowing at the same time. This past week, The Sacramento Bee, Good Blood Productions and W.E.T. River Trips accomplished a record setting time on running all three whitewater sections in less than 12 hours in one day.
Ryan MacPherson, who works for W.E.T. River Trips as a safety kayaker on the class 4+ North Fork American owns his own video production company, Good Blood Productions. Ryan recently finished working with the documentary, "The Deadliest Catch" on the Discovery Channel. W.E.T. River Trips has given Sacbee.com permission to post the video for their readers.
Congratulations to this California rafting company and the great publicity for all the whitewater companies in the west.
Labels: american river, california, flows, north fork, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, wet river trips, white water
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Silver Creek - California
Visit the AmericanWhitewater.org water steward organization for river rafting acess for the public. Many runs have been opened by this politically active organization. Most recent was the Silver Creek run on the South Fork American river. Only 10 elusive days were available to run this small section of the main south fork in the last 2 years.
Kayakers, paddlers and media swarmed onto the river at the last days of October 2007. Reviews, kudos and accolades were given on this most precious whitewater resource. Contact AmericanWhitewater.org for more information on how you can influence the water managers of this run to allow for more water releases on scheduled dates.
For more information on California whitewater rafting, please visit the C-W-R.com website.
Kayakers, paddlers and media swarmed onto the river at the last days of October 2007. Reviews, kudos and accolades were given on this most precious whitewater resource. Contact AmericanWhitewater.org for more information on how you can influence the water managers of this run to allow for more water releases on scheduled dates.
For more information on California whitewater rafting, please visit the C-W-R.com website.
Labels: american river, california, conservation, environment, flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips, wet river trips, white water
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Gauley - West Virginia
The state's Division of Natural Resources Whitewater Commission has been asked by the West Virginia Professional River Outfitters to levy a mandatory 35-cent fee for each rafter that floats through 4 sections of the Gauley River.
This fee would help the WVPRO in stocking trout for the river. Since 1990, the association has taken it upon themselves to stock the river with trout using the association's membership fees. This has helped extend the recreational opportunities for the public and the resource.
Each licensed rafting company will collect the monies as a mandatory use fee and submit those funds as part of a monthly report of use. This same concept is used in California on the American River's whitewater sections of the South Fork and Middle Fork of the American.
The Gauley and other rivers already have a use-fee levied for rafting, but this fee covers the agencies that fund studies for economic impacts and developing tourism, carrying capacities, safety issues and overseeing the quality of the rafting trip itself.
The new fees will be earmarked solely for the stocking of trout. This program will help to create a economic base for fishing and extending the Gauley's recreational resources.
Thanks to the Daily Mail for this item.
This fee would help the WVPRO in stocking trout for the river. Since 1990, the association has taken it upon themselves to stock the river with trout using the association's membership fees. This has helped extend the recreational opportunities for the public and the resource.
Each licensed rafting company will collect the monies as a mandatory use fee and submit those funds as part of a monthly report of use. This same concept is used in California on the American River's whitewater sections of the South Fork and Middle Fork of the American.
The Gauley and other rivers already have a use-fee levied for rafting, but this fee covers the agencies that fund studies for economic impacts and developing tourism, carrying capacities, safety issues and overseeing the quality of the rafting trip itself.
The new fees will be earmarked solely for the stocking of trout. This program will help to create a economic base for fishing and extending the Gauley's recreational resources.
Thanks to the Daily Mail for this item.
Labels: american river, california, environment, flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips, white water
Monday, June 25, 2007
Faux River - Maryland
It was inevitable... there are man-made surf waves at theme parks and climbing walls in almost every city. There are man-made kayak surf holes on rivers that run through urban centers. There are whitewater rafting parks, man-made and human designed in many, many locations throughout the world. So it was inevitable that the first man-made river now cascades down from a mountain in Garrett County, Maryland. Marsh Mountain hosts the Adventure Sports Center International with a 1,700-foot whitewater river.
For $50 per person, they plan to take as many people on this faux-whitewater river as an introduction to the sport. From Class I to Class IV, a new paddler will be able to experience what the rest of us have been experiencing all along, except this is a controlled environment with no surprises.
Experienced, professional guides still lead the charge as they help the novices learn whitewater paddling techniques. This new venture will only help to bring new rafters and paddlers to the sport of whitewater river rafting on real rivers!
Thanks to Washington Post for the news announcement!
For $50 per person, they plan to take as many people on this faux-whitewater river as an introduction to the sport. From Class I to Class IV, a new paddler will be able to experience what the rest of us have been experiencing all along, except this is a controlled environment with no surprises.
Experienced, professional guides still lead the charge as they help the novices learn whitewater paddling techniques. This new venture will only help to bring new rafters and paddlers to the sport of whitewater river rafting on real rivers!
Thanks to Washington Post for the news announcement!
Labels: flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips, white water
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Tuolumne River - California
Well-known river, the Tuolumne, lies just outside of the Yosemite area in California. A popular rafting destination for many northern Californian paddlers, the river has been on several lists of top ten whitewater rafting rivers in the west.
After two years of extreme high water, the Tuolumne will have great regulated flows though out the 2007 rafting season. Outfitters on the main section of the Tuolumne and the famous Class V section called the Cherry Creek run, should have a near normal season due to dam controlled water releases.
The Cherry Creek run is one of the most difficult Class V rafting trips, and original whitewater pioneer, Marty McDonnell's Sierra Mac River Trips was the first outfitter to offer commercial rafting on this stretch of river back in 1972. "I have a passion for that stretch of river," said Marty McDonnell, "It requires a team of guides who really know the river and we have a group of about six who work together here all summer whose main focus is the Tuolumne. Folks who want to do the river know we do about 90 percent of the trips, and they trust us."
The Tuolumne River was designated to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System on September 28, 1984. The O'Shaugnessy Dam in the Hetch Hetchy Valley of Yosemite National Park controls the water releases for the main Tuolumne river.
Thanks to Union Democrat for the quotes!
After two years of extreme high water, the Tuolumne will have great regulated flows though out the 2007 rafting season. Outfitters on the main section of the Tuolumne and the famous Class V section called the Cherry Creek run, should have a near normal season due to dam controlled water releases.
The Cherry Creek run is one of the most difficult Class V rafting trips, and original whitewater pioneer, Marty McDonnell's Sierra Mac River Trips was the first outfitter to offer commercial rafting on this stretch of river back in 1972. "I have a passion for that stretch of river," said Marty McDonnell, "It requires a team of guides who really know the river and we have a group of about six who work together here all summer whose main focus is the Tuolumne. Folks who want to do the river know we do about 90 percent of the trips, and they trust us."
The Tuolumne River was designated to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System on September 28, 1984. The O'Shaugnessy Dam in the Hetch Hetchy Valley of Yosemite National Park controls the water releases for the main Tuolumne river.
Thanks to Union Democrat for the quotes!
Labels: california, flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips, white water
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Fly Fishing meets Whitewater
Fly fishing never seemed so exciting, as the usual tranquil sport contrasted with the wild waters of the Eagle River in Colorado. Eight finalists were met with whitewater rapids along with trout fishing in a contest held this past week during the Teva Mountain Games. Higher flows from spring melt met the competitors with exciting white water.
First prize winner, Mark Sassi of Edwards won a $1,000 prize and a new Sage fly rod for landing 5 fish in 4 hours. Cody Powell came in second with 4 fish with Jeff Wagner landing 3 fish for the third place finish. Wagner also won a $500 bonus for the largest fish caught.
Thanks to the Denver Post for this news!
First prize winner, Mark Sassi of Edwards won a $1,000 prize and a new Sage fly rod for landing 5 fish in 4 hours. Cody Powell came in second with 4 fish with Jeff Wagner landing 3 fish for the third place finish. Wagner also won a $500 bonus for the largest fish caught.
Thanks to the Denver Post for this news!
Labels: flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips, white water
Friday, May 25, 2007
Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day Weekend is coming tomorrow. Travelers will be out throughout the country visiting state parks, recreating outdoors and gravitating to our waterways. Due to high gas prices, many vacationers will be traveling closer to home and visiting rivers and lakes nearby. Picnicing and camping are the usual pasttimes while river rafting will augment many visitor's plans.
Rafting News suggests that all paddlers wear a lifejacket and proper gear no matter what river or lake you are floating. Watch and supervise your chldren at all times when near a body of water. Even your teens need to be supervised near any water or river.
Keep alcohol to a minimum or not at all if you are paddling or swimming. Alcohol will impair your judgement and also fool you into thinking the water isn't cold enough for hyperthermia. Use common sense when in the outdoors. Keep hydrated during hikes and rafting, especially in the warmer areas of the country. And remember that spring runoff is cold and fast and should be prepared for appropriately before attempting any rafting trip.
If you love the outdoors, then respect it. That respect will go a long way in preventing vacation time tragedies and will help you to preserve the time-honored memories of Memorial Day Weekend!
Rafting News suggests that all paddlers wear a lifejacket and proper gear no matter what river or lake you are floating. Watch and supervise your chldren at all times when near a body of water. Even your teens need to be supervised near any water or river.
Keep alcohol to a minimum or not at all if you are paddling or swimming. Alcohol will impair your judgement and also fool you into thinking the water isn't cold enough for hyperthermia. Use common sense when in the outdoors. Keep hydrated during hikes and rafting, especially in the warmer areas of the country. And remember that spring runoff is cold and fast and should be prepared for appropriately before attempting any rafting trip.
If you love the outdoors, then respect it. That respect will go a long way in preventing vacation time tragedies and will help you to preserve the time-honored memories of Memorial Day Weekend!
Labels: california, environment, flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, wet river trips, white water
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Reno River Festival - Nevada
Reno, Nevada is hosting the 4th Annual Reno River Festival this weekend. Eric Jackson, the 2005 and 2006 men's freestyle champion and 3-time world freestyle kayak champion will be there again vying and surfing for top honors. Tanya Faux, the 2005 and 2006 women's champion from Australia will be there, too defending her crown.
Other well-known names in the kayaking world will be there to offer challenges. Stephen Wright, Bryan Kirk, Ben Guska and Mo Kelleher will challenge the men's titles as Ruth Gordon and 17-year old, Emily Jackson will compete in the women's divisions.
The festival is held in the urban center of Reno on a man-made whitewater park that draws thousands of recreational paddlers each year. This year the festival begins when the Freestyle World Championships on the Ottowa River in Canada ends. There should be record numbers of outdoor paddling enthusiasts there to witness the Reno whitewater event.
For more information, please visit Reno's Visitor's Center for accommodations and lodging.
Thanks to the Sacramento Bee for this information!
Other well-known names in the kayaking world will be there to offer challenges. Stephen Wright, Bryan Kirk, Ben Guska and Mo Kelleher will challenge the men's titles as Ruth Gordon and 17-year old, Emily Jackson will compete in the women's divisions.
The festival is held in the urban center of Reno on a man-made whitewater park that draws thousands of recreational paddlers each year. This year the festival begins when the Freestyle World Championships on the Ottowa River in Canada ends. There should be record numbers of outdoor paddling enthusiasts there to witness the Reno whitewater event.
For more information, please visit Reno's Visitor's Center for accommodations and lodging.
Thanks to the Sacramento Bee for this information!
Labels: flows, outdoors, paddling, recreation, rivers, surfing, white water
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Waller Creek - Austin, TX
Waller Creek is about to get a make-over. An urban creek that flows adjacent to Austin's convention center, is an environmental eyesore of debris and trash flowing through the downtown area. Champion of creeks and rivers, Jim Stuart, a former member of the kayaking and rafting industry, is spearheading the movement to create a whitewater paddling park. His credits include outfitting actor Ned Beatty with rafting gear for the movie "Deliverance." Stuart also helped organize the World White Water Championships in the early 80's on the Savage River in western Maryland.
City Councilwoman, Sheryl Cole, pushing for the tunnel project that would upgrade pumps to move the water in a consistent and regulated flow, has recently created the Waller Creek Citizens Advisory Committee. So far, none of the other ideas from the citizens have considered a recreational white water park (trail) for Austin, but there are many precedents to the idea as seen around the country such as Denver's Confluence Park in their lower downtown along with Truckee Whitewater Park in Reno, Nevada.
Thanks to the Austin Chronicle for this information!
City Councilwoman, Sheryl Cole, pushing for the tunnel project that would upgrade pumps to move the water in a consistent and regulated flow, has recently created the Waller Creek Citizens Advisory Committee. So far, none of the other ideas from the citizens have considered a recreational white water park (trail) for Austin, but there are many precedents to the idea as seen around the country such as Denver's Confluence Park in their lower downtown along with Truckee Whitewater Park in Reno, Nevada.
Thanks to the Austin Chronicle for this information!
Labels: environment, flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, white water
Friday, April 20, 2007
Ocoee River - Tennessee
Ocoee River, the 1996 Olympic whitewater paddle host, was compromised by a diesel fuel spill a couple of days ago. A tanker truck had an accident near white water rafting businesses close to the North Carolina and Georgia borders. Luckily, no one was injured in the accident though a measureable amount of fuel was spilled into the river.
Spokesperson, Tisha Calabrese-Benton, from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation said, "... some of the diesel fuel has gotten into the river but in a manageable amount."
The TDEC and other local environmental management agencies are attempting to clean the mess and drain the tanker from spilling more fuel into the river.
The white water rafting companies have not started their weekday recreation schedules yet and don't anticipate problems when their weekday trips start in June.
Thanks to Business Week for this information!
Spokesperson, Tisha Calabrese-Benton, from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation said, "... some of the diesel fuel has gotten into the river but in a manageable amount."
The TDEC and other local environmental management agencies are attempting to clean the mess and drain the tanker from spilling more fuel into the river.
The white water rafting companies have not started their weekday recreation schedules yet and don't anticipate problems when their weekday trips start in June.
Thanks to Business Week for this information!
Labels: conservation, environment, flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips, white water
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
SMUD Relicensing a Gift for Rafters
SMUD's (Sacramento Municipal Utility District) recent relicensing is proving to be a gift to whitewater rafters in California. California rafting will be available throughout the season with controlled flows coming from dam operators on the South Fork American and Middle Fork American Rivers.
The agreement is allowing SMUD to manage the water by providing runnable flows on both rivers. On the South Fork American, the operators have designated "dry" Wednesdays in the month of May and June with flows everyday. And in July and August, everyday will be available with only a "dry" Monday.
On the Middle Fork American, the water managers will provide 7-days a week of runnable flows.
Based on this year's dismal snowpack, the agreement and management of the river resource will prove to be a gift for the whitewater rafting public assuring them of boatable flows this rafting season.
The agreement is allowing SMUD to manage the water by providing runnable flows on both rivers. On the South Fork American, the operators have designated "dry" Wednesdays in the month of May and June with flows everyday. And in July and August, everyday will be available with only a "dry" Monday.
On the Middle Fork American, the water managers will provide 7-days a week of runnable flows.
Based on this year's dismal snowpack, the agreement and management of the river resource will prove to be a gift for the whitewater rafting public assuring them of boatable flows this rafting season.
Labels: american river, california, flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips, wet river trips, white water
Friday, March 30, 2007
South Fork American - California
Flows will be impacted this year due to a less than normal precipitation this past winter. Due to SMUD's generous and cooperative management of the resources at the reservoirs, agreements were reached to provide normal flows through the duration of the season from now until September. There will be some limitations and these limitations were agreed upon by various organizations in anticipation of drier years.
Flows on Mondays in July and August will be designated dry days while the flows on Wednesdays will be dry during the May and June calendar. Most California rafting outfitters discount heavily during the week so some outfitters may be impacted based on their promotions. Most will shift their incentives to avoid these dates to accommodate the public on their river trips.
The South Fork American along with the Middle Fork American may be the best rivers to raft this summer season in California. With the flow agreements, paddlers can at least count on the contracted flows on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays.
Flows on Mondays in July and August will be designated dry days while the flows on Wednesdays will be dry during the May and June calendar. Most California rafting outfitters discount heavily during the week so some outfitters may be impacted based on their promotions. Most will shift their incentives to avoid these dates to accommodate the public on their river trips.
The South Fork American along with the Middle Fork American may be the best rivers to raft this summer season in California. With the flow agreements, paddlers can at least count on the contracted flows on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays.
Labels: american river, california, flows, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips, white water
Monday, March 26, 2007
Rafting - West Virginia
West Virginia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau, Beverly Wellman reflects on tourism dollars spent in their state. Referring to the ski slopes at Winterplace, she notes that as one recreational season ends another begins. In this case, the next outdoor season begins with rafting trips.
Tourism dollars may end when the slopes clear, but those dollars begin in other regions of the state such as whitewater rafting rivers. "Those industries draw a lot of people's attention, and even if people aren't rafters, they know that West Virginia is a nice, natural relaxing place," said Ms. Wellman.
As visitors arrive, they spend money and support local businesses and regions. Rafting season began earlier this month and the rafting outfitters are looking forward to a very strong year.
Thanks to The State Journal for this news post!
Tourism dollars may end when the slopes clear, but those dollars begin in other regions of the state such as whitewater rafting rivers. "Those industries draw a lot of people's attention, and even if people aren't rafters, they know that West Virginia is a nice, natural relaxing place," said Ms. Wellman.
As visitors arrive, they spend money and support local businesses and regions. Rafting season began earlier this month and the rafting outfitters are looking forward to a very strong year.
Thanks to The State Journal for this news post!
Labels: flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, white water
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Irish International White Water Film Festival
GMIT Castlebar and Drunken Ferret Media present the 4th annual Irish International White Water Film Festival on Friday, March 23 at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar.
A 7pm reception, followed by short feature films about white water canoeing. Directors will be introducing their films. The program will educate the rest of the world on what the Irish whitewater community has to show.
Filming was shot across the globe and features incredible footage of the extreme sport. Whether you’re a white water warrior or not, prepare to be amazed.
Thanks to Mayo Advertiser for this post!
A 7pm reception, followed by short feature films about white water canoeing. Directors will be introducing their films. The program will educate the rest of the world on what the Irish whitewater community has to show.
Filming was shot across the globe and features incredible footage of the extreme sport. Whether you’re a white water warrior or not, prepare to be amazed.
Thanks to Mayo Advertiser for this post!
Labels: flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, white water
Monday, March 12, 2007
Ocoee River - Tennessee
The Ocoee River outfitters have signed an agreement with the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) to have controlled water releases from the dams. The commercial outfitters have secured a loan to pay the TVA for the water. The loan was secured through the Southeast Tennessee Development District. Eight separate banks along with a federal grant will pay the total of $1.6 M to the federal utility. The loan will guarantee 12 years of water flows for whitewater recreation with each year having 34 days of boatable flows.
The Ocoee River was the original site for the 1996 whitewater competition for the Summer Olympics.Thanks to the Associated Press for this information.
Labels: flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips
Friday, March 02, 2007
California Rafting Trips - 2007
Late winter storms have changed the landscape for California rafting trips. A series of storms blanketed the Sierra Nevada with fresh snow that assures the whitewater paddling public that the 2007 rafting season will be normal to above normal in places.
In Northern California, the rivers are already running as die-hard paddlers and kayakers challenge Class 4, Class 5 runs. The Smith, Cal Salmon and Trinity have already started their whitewater season due to precipitation.
On the most popular white water rafting river, the three forks of the American River, paddlers have never stopped rafting throughout the fall and winter months. Kirkwood Meadows received a large snow pack this past week which guarantees great flows on the South Fork American. North Fork American, one of the best Class 4 runs start this month just in time for spring break, while the Middle Fork American should flow from now through September.
Down south, the Kern and the Kaweah will have normal flows according to the rafting outfitters. The recent storms have boosted their river flow expectations to around 60% of normal with more storms coming.
In Northern California, the rivers are already running as die-hard paddlers and kayakers challenge Class 4, Class 5 runs. The Smith, Cal Salmon and Trinity have already started their whitewater season due to precipitation.
On the most popular white water rafting river, the three forks of the American River, paddlers have never stopped rafting throughout the fall and winter months. Kirkwood Meadows received a large snow pack this past week which guarantees great flows on the South Fork American. North Fork American, one of the best Class 4 runs start this month just in time for spring break, while the Middle Fork American should flow from now through September.
Down south, the Kern and the Kaweah will have normal flows according to the rafting outfitters. The recent storms have boosted their river flow expectations to around 60% of normal with more storms coming.
Labels: american river, california, flows, north fork, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, spring break, trips, wet river trips
Friday, February 23, 2007
Swift Water Rescue Founder Passes Away
America Outdoors, the leading professional outdoor adventure organization announced that Jim Segerstrom, the founder of the Swiftwater Rescue Technician Program and a partner in Rescue 3, has passed away on February 5th. Many members of America Outdoors will remember Jim from a Western River Guides Convention in Salt Lake City in 1980 where he spoke to the outdoor industry about a new Swift Water Rescue Certification Program and a new organization called Rescue 3.
The Swift Water Rescue Technician Program under Segerstrom became a highly regarded training program, known worldwide. The training is now offered in over 30 countries throughout the world.
A small stroke on Thursday, February 1, followed by a second one led him to be hospitalized at the neurological ICU at UC San Francisco's Moffitt Hospital where he passed away.
The boating community sends their prayers to the Segerstrom Family. Jim's influence had a profound affect on the whitewater rafting industry. His influence was felt throughout all emergency rescue programs on waterways throughout the country. He was a true pioneer and took his teachings throughout the United States, Japan, South American and Europe.
Thanks to America Outdoors for this News Item
The Swift Water Rescue Technician Program under Segerstrom became a highly regarded training program, known worldwide. The training is now offered in over 30 countries throughout the world.
A small stroke on Thursday, February 1, followed by a second one led him to be hospitalized at the neurological ICU at UC San Francisco's Moffitt Hospital where he passed away.
The boating community sends their prayers to the Segerstrom Family. Jim's influence had a profound affect on the whitewater rafting industry. His influence was felt throughout all emergency rescue programs on waterways throughout the country. He was a true pioneer and took his teachings throughout the United States, Japan, South American and Europe.
Thanks to America Outdoors for this News Item
Labels: california, environment, flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Epic Broadband Channel
The Weather Channel has launched a new interactive web site called Epic. The new site will highlight how outdoor sports is directly affected by weather conditions. Epic Conditions is the parent company which will debut the new program on March 4th, Sunday at 9PM on the weather channel. The Epic site is available now.
Exclusive video by Warren Miller productions will show the incredible dynamics of weather and high-risk sports. "Epic is designed to showcase the power and importance of weather and its impact on outdoor activities," said Tom Flournoy, VP of advanced media for The Weather Channel. He also goes on to say that the site will encourage the positive impact that weather brings to people's lives and outdoor passion.
Imagine how that interaction will work after a major storm on rivers. Epic will surely impact the whitewater industry by allowing users to view rivers rising at their peak and the paddlers challenging those rapids. We can watch rivers like the North Fork American at its prime flow!
Exclusive video by Warren Miller productions will show the incredible dynamics of weather and high-risk sports. "Epic is designed to showcase the power and importance of weather and its impact on outdoor activities," said Tom Flournoy, VP of advanced media for The Weather Channel. He also goes on to say that the site will encourage the positive impact that weather brings to people's lives and outdoor passion.
Imagine how that interaction will work after a major storm on rivers. Epic will surely impact the whitewater industry by allowing users to view rivers rising at their peak and the paddlers challenging those rapids. We can watch rivers like the North Fork American at its prime flow!
Labels: california, flows, north fork, outdoors, recreation, trips
Friday, February 02, 2007
California - South Fork American
The whitewater rafting community and its paddlers are rejoicing over the recent agreements with the utility companies on the Upper American River rafting hydroelectric project. SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District) has come to an agreement with the boating community to release water from their dam sources for year-round recreation. This historic signing yesterday came after a long five year struggle of negotiations. The agreement will be in place for a 30 to 50 year stretch.
Here is the agreement:
Many groups came together for the historic signing including state and federal resource agencies, environmental groups, whitewater recreation groups and private citizens.
Next step is the relicensing with the Placer County Water Agency's Middle Fork American River. According to representatives of the rafting community, this relicensing should be a lot smoother than the long five year negotiations with SMUD.
The rafting community is in awe of the prospect of having guaranteed flows for every weekend of the year. Imagine, being able to count on flows whenever you want to go rafting!
Here is the agreement:
- Regularly scheduled whitewater releases and guaranteed flows for whitewater rafting below Chili Bar Reservoir year-round in all years of the agreement.
- Higher flow releases to protect and enhance habitat for aquatic species.
- Improvements and construction of recreational facilities near reservoirs.
- $1.3 million per year for recreation and maintenance funding.
- During drought conditions, flexible operations.
Many groups came together for the historic signing including state and federal resource agencies, environmental groups, whitewater recreation groups and private citizens.
Next step is the relicensing with the Placer County Water Agency's Middle Fork American River. According to representatives of the rafting community, this relicensing should be a lot smoother than the long five year negotiations with SMUD.
The rafting community is in awe of the prospect of having guaranteed flows for every weekend of the year. Imagine, being able to count on flows whenever you want to go rafting!
Labels: american river, california, flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, trips, wet river trips
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Arkansas River - Colorado
Colorado's Arkansas River saw a 4% increase in 2006. An estimated $73 million dollars of tourism monies were distributed throughout the Upper Arkansas River Valley region. An 11% increase of private kayakers also brought the region an economic boost.
The Arkansas River has Class 1 to 5 rapids throughout is length and is punctuated with incredible scenery and peaks. With 300 days of warm sunshine, rafting, fishing, hiking and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this area immensely.
Float trips brought many fishermen out between Salida and Vallie Bridge. Joe Greiner and Jody Werner of Colorado River Outfitters Association will be presenting an accounting of the 2006 figures at the annual CROA meeting in February.
Colorado is experiencing a large snowpack this year which should provide for a long and exciting whitewater year. For more information, see the association's website contacts for outfitters in Colorado.
Thanks to CROA and the Aspen Daily News
The Arkansas River has Class 1 to 5 rapids throughout is length and is punctuated with incredible scenery and peaks. With 300 days of warm sunshine, rafting, fishing, hiking and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this area immensely.
Float trips brought many fishermen out between Salida and Vallie Bridge. Joe Greiner and Jody Werner of Colorado River Outfitters Association will be presenting an accounting of the 2006 figures at the annual CROA meeting in February.
Colorado is experiencing a large snowpack this year which should provide for a long and exciting whitewater year. For more information, see the association's website contacts for outfitters in Colorado.
Thanks to CROA and the Aspen Daily News
Labels: flows, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, 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
