C-Forum

A friend has offered me her condo for free (I have to paint it) and is even paying for my gas out there. What's paddling like out there in June? I can handle 3+ stuff (all in Arkansas, so far).

runoff and lots of it......

check out americanwhitewater.com click on Colorado and go to town figuring out what's running.

I would think any mountain creeks would be pretty full in June if they are still getting any kind of winter right now. If the snowpack is low, look for the runoff earlier.

Typically, early to mid June is higher water season everywhere in Colorado in the river basins with an average snow pack. Depending on your ability, there maybe too much water on some of the runs, unless you like high, pushy water? That time of year, we usually make decisions based on water levels and weather.

So far, the snow pack looks to be average in many basins to above average in a few basins. Vail Ski area has had a mediocre snow pack this season, but it has gotten much better in the last couple of weeks.

With that said, there are still a lot of variables such as: amount of spring snow, sublimation of the snow pack, and spring temps/rain. The water usually slows down towards the end of June, again there are a lot of variables.

Closer to Vail, you should have the Eagle, Colorado, and Gore Creek.

If you want to drive, you have the Blue (possibly), Arkansas (River that is), Crystal, Roaring Fork, Taylor, Poudre, Elk, North Fork of the South Platte, and Front Range Creeks like Clear Creek, Boulder Creek, and North Saint Vrain. Go to www.eddyflower.com to see your options and flows. Also, www.moutainbuzz.com has a lot of good information, even though it is more of a yaker site.

The good news is there is usually always something to be paddled in the III+ range that time of year. Keep in touch with us on your trip out, as we have a group of 10-15 open boaters that at least a few of us paddle somewhere every weekend.

Eubie, one must be careful when they wander from Class III in our fair state and go exploring Colorado Class III.

It really is the snow pack and following weather that determines levels out there.

It usually is big stuff compared to our yard even when it's "low."

I guess my next questions should be 1: what levels are too high, and 2: who knows what "too high" is? Figured there were way more yakers out there than open-boaters and yakers don't always care to talk to us like we have brains.
AJ: I will get in touch with you before we take off. thanks!
Roger: Have you paddled out there? If so what? It would be great to have a comparison between those creeks and something I'm familiar with.

Our creeks are pretty steep and pushy. Bring a C-1 dude.
You basically got, the Eagle, Gore Creek, Gore Canyon (colorado), Clear Creek, Arkansas et al.
We are starting to approach 80 % of our snow/water content in the Yampa Valley, Steamboat Springs. Front Range is at 110% Snow/water content.
Ark should flow most of the season. Basically hit the runoff streams first then hit the dam release streams.
If you dont like bailing water, get a c boat because open boating in the west=bailing water after every drop. Unless you like sneak routes blah
my email is C_boater@hotmail.com and Im always looking to go paddle. (when the wife doesnt mind taking the kids)

Bailing water after most drops is almost second-nature, even here in tame Arkansas.
A C-1 has crossed my mind more than once.

C1, come on, you might as well bring a kayak then . Bring your open boat. Well, what is your open boat?

I am sure I am not the paddler Tiggy is! I am only a class III /IV- (lower water IV- at that). Tiggy, I am surprised, we have never met, probably because you run the Gnar!

In terms of levels, I would be careful about what the yakers/C1ers say on the two websites that I mentioned. I have been mentored over the years on most of the harder sections that I run, so I do not get myself over my head. Medium high flows on some stretches are high water to me on my open boat.

Again, we always make final decisions a day to two day before, unless we are running dam control or it the flow has been steady for the past few days. One day it could be spitting snow freezing in Vail and another day it could be 65. The water is always cold, especially in the Vail valley. I would bring a variety of paddle clothing options.

I paddle an Outrage and have a Prophet as a backup. I have a roll, but haven't used it yet in the real world.

Class 3 colorado and class 3 arkansas are surprizing different (read harder, steeper, woodier) And also the water is brutal cold. ie. snowmelt. Just so ya know. $0.02