American River Wildlife News
Whitewater flowing at full strength
Thu 31 May 2007 12:01:18 PM PDT - Rafting
Low Sierra snowpack not expected to affect the area's summer rafting season.
Full reservoirs on California's rivers this year are delivering normal flows for summer rafting, despite the low snowpack.
Recent news has focused on the below average winter precipitation in California, but neither drought nor critical conditions are being declared by any of the state's water agencies. Although the 2006-2007 precipitation was below average, full reservoirs counteract many of the effects of a low water year.
Because of the above average 2005 and 2006 snowpacks, California reservoirs are very full and will be releasing consistent flows on several rivers throughout the state, ensuring that there is no shortage of rafting options.
This year's whitewater recreation season highlights the difference between a drought year and a year with a low snowpack.
Recent news has focused on the below average winter precipitation in California, but neither drought nor critical conditions are being declared by any of the state's water agencies. Although the 2006-2007 precipitation was below average, full reservoirs counteract many of the effects of a low water year.
Because of the above average 2005 and 2006 snowpacks, California reservoirs are very full and will be releasing consistent flows on several rivers throughout the state, ensuring that there is no shortage of rafting options.
This year's whitewater recreation season highlights the difference between a drought year and a year with a low snowpack.
"Due to above normal carry-over storage in upstream reservoirs, rafting flows on the South Fork and Middle Fork of the American will be excellent this summer," said Dan Bolster, with El Dorado County Parks. "Mid-week and weekend flows will provide the same great opportunity for rafting this summer as last summer. The warm spring weather and good flows have people excited to get out on the river."
More at the Auburn Journal.