Arkansas River High Water Projections Ready for Colorado Whitewater Action

Snowpack readings for Colorado’s Arkansas River Basin are at 282% of normal for this time of year. In the coming weeks, the Arkansas River could be at levels not seen since 1995 – a year that holds high water records for nearly every date throughout the summer. Braveheart dominated the box office that year, and Coolio’s Gangsta’s Paradise sat atop the Billboard Charts. Yes, that was 20 years ago.

May turn-around

One month ago was a different story, with Colorado snowpack levels hovering around 60%. Then winter returned just after everyone dusted off their flip-flops and BBQ grills. Mountain snow throughout the first few weeks of May measured in the feet. So here we are on the cusp of an epic whitewater rafting season in Colorado.

Beginner rafting trips at high water

Whitewater rafting at high water is exciting, but there are still many safe rafting trips for first-time rafters and those not looking for a wild ride. The Family Float, Salida Town Run, and Upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon are great options. A safe and enjoyable experience starts with booking the right trip. Call River Runners at 800-723-8987 for more information.

Thrill seekers rejoice

The traditional advanced sections of the Arkansas River will be closed to commercial rafting for much of the season, but this is your time thrill seeker. You can stop reading this now and book a rafting trip any time in June. The alternate rafting trip for the Royal Gorge is the Three Rocks section, and for the Numbers, it is the Miracle Mile. Both river sections will have world-class whitewater that is only seen once every few seasons.

River Runners – The Whitewater Professionals

River Runners offers guided whitewater rafting trips from two locations on the Arkansas River. Raft beginner, intermediate and advanced whitewater on half-day, full-day and overnight adventures. Call 800-723-8987 or book online.

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