Floating the San Rafael

steve

steve

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Dec 11, 2013
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I think it'd be fun to put in at fuller bottom and float to the SR bridge. I don't understand how to read river flow charts very well, and I'm curious when the best time of year to float it would be? As far as I understand, it's not always deep enough, and when it is, you only have a week or so window to float it. Anyone have any ideas when this is?
 
Its a classic desert float! Minimum of 200cfs, right now its at 8.
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/1872/

I've run it around 250cfs. The more water the better, you could get down it at 150cfs but you would be dragging your boat in places.
Its all about the runoff and how much water they take out for irrigation upstream. I'd say mid-late May this year if it goes. Check the Snotel for snowpack conditions.
http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/snotel/Utah/utah.html

SanRafael+-+ARiver.jpg
 
Perfect, that's just what I'm looking for. Thanks!

BTW, which boat is that you've got in your picture?
 
Last edited:
that's a friends NRS ducky, not sure which one. Maverick? I paddled my whitewater kayak, we also had 2 canoes on the trip.
 
That sounds awesome. Definitely the way to see that canyon. If you end up trying for this this spring, let me know, I might try to tag along and could help with the shuttle. :)

@BJett - did you just pack all your drinking water for that or did you filter that nasty stuff?
 
Brought our own water. Since its pretty much a flat water trip you can bring a big inflatable or canoe with plenty of room for water...beer...more beer...etc.

Always be on the lookout for strainers. It gets narrow in places, you never know what washes down. We had to scoot around a few trees if I recall.
 
Nick said:
That sounds awesome. Definitely the way to see that canyon. If you end up trying for this this spring, let me know, I might try to tag along and could help with the shuttle. :)

@BJett - did you just pack all your drinking water for that or did you filter that nasty stuff?
Click to expand...

I'm up for it with the canoe.
 
Desert boating...Its that time of year. I have some friends in Colorado hoping to get on the Chute of Muddy Creek and the San Rafael this year. I cant recall which Snotel site to look at. Any of you know how the snowpack is for that watershed, and the chances of them having boatable flows in the next 2-3 weeks? The Muddy is starting to spike up to 120 cfs in the afternoon so it looks like the run-off is trickling down. If you can catch the Chute with 250 minimum its a classic. San Rafael needs a lot more water than its current flow...

http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/1861/
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/1872/
 
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