Western River Expeditions predicts solid rafting season on Colorado and Green Rivers

Western River Expeditions reports that spring runoff from the Rocky Mountains into the Colorado and Green Rivers bodes well for an average to above average rafting season.

“We want to get this upbeat report out to rafting enthusiasts who may be concerned that the drought menacing California waters has spread into Utah’s river system,” says Brian Merrill, CEO of Western River Expeditions. “An above-average snowpack in the Northern and Central Rockies means we’ll have the best season in years for rafting on the Green and Colorado river systems in Utah.”

As of April 1, runoff was 112 percent of normal, compared to the same date a year ago when it was at 73 percent of normal and in 2012 at 60 percent of normal.

“In years when the snowpack was nearly identical to where we are at this point, the water year ended up being average. Average is actually really good. It's not the intense, high water that garners attention, but it is still a lot of water and a lot of fun,” Merrill underscores.

His predictions come from monitoring historic snow pack levels in the Upper Colorado River Basin that covers the northern half of Colorado, part of the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming and the eastern portion of the Uinta Mountains. The basin is the source of water in the Green and Colorado rivers. He then compares snow pack levels with historic peak flows (measured in cubic feet per second or cfs) in Cataract Canyon.

“If it stays wet and cool over the next two months, we'll be in great shape. To give you some historical perspective, here are figures from comparable years on this date:

• 1995 = 117% of normal; peak Cataract flow = 80,700 cfs
• 1989 = 116% of normal; peak Cataract flow = 16,310 cfs 

“These are the two extremes, but my money is on a decent water year. In most years when the snow pack is over 100% at this point, we end up peaking with at least 50,000 cfs in Cataract. Our reservations staff is optimistically advising clients that Colorado is doing better than just about everywhere else in the West,” he adds.

While Grand Canyon has the name recognition when it comes to river rafting, Utah’s Cataract Canyon is often overlooked.  Cataract Canyon splits through the heart of Canyonlands National Park inviting boaters to experience both whitewater thrills and eye-popping off-river jaunts.

Other river trips on the Colorado and Green rivers that are expected to have average to above average water levels this spring and summer include:

• Utah – Desolation Canyon, Green River http://www.westernriver.com/trips/green/
• Utah – Westwater, Colorado River http://www.westernriver.com/trips/westwater1day/ 

About Western River Expeditions
Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/) is an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. Annually from March through October it escorts more people down rivers on professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/).

Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah rafting, and Idaho rafting trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. It has been named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by the editors of National Geographic Adventure magazine. The company is the proud recipient of the "Best of State" award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for nine consecutive years.  For 2014 season reservations call toll-free: 866-904-1160 or 801-942-6669.