Browns Canyon National Monument.

The Upper Arkansas River Basin Snowpack is Above Average

The Upper Arkansas River Basin has had a dry spell over the past month, but there is still above average snow water equivalent in the high country. According to the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, the upper basin is at 105% of median. This is thanks to early winter snow. There are now 65 days before the average peak snowpack and Open Snow is forecasting a more active pattern for the Arkansas River Headwaters with a potential for around 19″ of snow over the next 10 days. It is too early to tell, but there is reason for optimism that conditions will be optimal for whitewater rafting this summer.

The full Arkansas River Basin Snowpack is just 67%. This includes SNOTEL sites in the lower basin that can fluctuate drastically between storms. These sites do not have a direct impact on whitewater rafting conditions but are important to farmers and ranchers in eastern Colorado. Median precipitation is 101% for the full Arkansas Basin, which is positive.

25% Off Winter Sale Ends Today

The Winter Sale ends Today, February 10, 2025. Raft Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. This is valid for half-day, full-day, and overnight whitewater rafting tours. Raft the Royal Gorge or Bighorn Sheep Canyon – just one hour from Colorado Springs, or the Family Float, Browns Canyon, Numbers or Happy Hour tours in Buena V