Green River desolation sound ?

Carol · Post by **Carol** » Mon Feb 21, 2011 1:15 am

So what would be considered on the high-end regarding flow for the Desolation Sound section of the Green River in open canoes, loaded with gear?

There'll be Dagger Dimension and Legend, Mad River Revelation and Synergy, and a Navarro Merrimack. And a kayak along, to carry our lunches

.

Thanks in advance

Carol

Smurfwarrior · Post by **Smurfwarrior** » Mon Feb 21, 2011 1:28 am

Are talking about Deso on the GR in Utah? See the run desc below.

http://www.eddyflower.com/RunDetailstabs.aspx?RunId=409

Carol · Post by **Carol** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 12:50 am

Yes, Desolation Canyon, Green River in Utah. We got a launch date for June 25th. Thank you for your link

There's a high probability that we will still be dealing with the tail end of the snow melt flows, so I think we could be looking at between 6000 and 10,000 CFS. The majority of write-up's I've been able to come across talk of flows in either the 2000 CFS Range or the 20,000 CFS Range. Not much in between.

So to better phrase my question, how does the Green River at the end of June flows, compare to the Lower Salmon when it's flowing at 6500 CFS? Or the Deschutes river at around 4500 CFS? From an open boaters perspectives Of course!

Carol

cadster · Post by **cadster** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 2:11 am

I’ve paddled Deso low and high. I’ve also been down the lower Salmon a few times at mid-summer flows.

The runs are of comparable difficulty. Some of Deso’s rapids go on longer, but they don’t require as much the maneuvering as those on the lower Salmon. Skilled canoeists should be able to stay away from the boat filling waves in Deso.

The biggest downside to running Deso in the summer is lots of mosquitoes.

Roger · Post by **Roger** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 2:35 am

This is from a raft perspective. Run it at 5k and 14k during June. As long as you know where you are at and where you need to be, you should be good.

At the higher level, there are some sections where the waves go big and could present some swamping opportunities especially with gear-laden boats.

Didn't see a lot of open boats or kayaks on those trips.

I've got an invite to go back for a June 29th launch. Just not sure if I will be able to.

Carol · Post by **Carol** » Wed Feb 23, 2011 3:19 am

Thank you for your information

!

Big thing is hoping that there isn't a rapid similar to " Snow Hole" On this section of the Green

We will have two support rafts, So the canoes will only have to carry personal gear. Two the tandem canoes will not have any problem dealing with big water , that the other two I am somewhat concerned about. But that's my job, the trip worrier!

It's time to go skiing and check out potential CFS in them thar hills.

cadster · Post by **cadster** » Wed Feb 23, 2011 3:03 pm

Some high water video from last year:
http://www.youtube.com/user/dbstrats#p/u/8/xC1OvzeocZ0
http://www.youtube.com/user/dbstrats#p/u/6/kfZT-cTLSWE
http://www.youtube.com/user/dbstrats#p/u/7/ynSorcvEG6M

Joe Hutch has had the biggest waves at high water for the past few years since a flash flood in 2009.

At low water, Three Fords is the trickiest to run and the Gray Canyon drops become steep.

There are rapid pics at different flows here:
http://www.whitewatercampsites.com/Gree ... bum=Rapids

coloradopaddler · Post by **coloradopaddler** » Wed Feb 23, 2011 3:33 pm

i've been down deso/gray in a raft and in a caption, there is nothing like snow hole on the lower salmon. i haven't been since joe hutch changed but hear that it is just big waves. most of the rapids on deso are just big wave trains. have fun!

Carol · Post by **Carol** » Thu Feb 24, 2011 5:28 am

Thanks again, I'm sure we'll have a great trip !!!!!!