COLORADO SNOW UPDATE & WHITEWATER RAFTING FORECAST 2022
Well, it has been an awesome winter season here in the Vail Valley, and it seems nothing can stop all these smiles! Sage owner Darryl Bangert said it best: “Through our second year amid the pandemic, we’ve witnessed a big demand to get outside and reconnect with nature. “Seeing our guests come alive during these trips is very rewarding for our staff.”
Colorado’s Whitewater Rafting Season
As we look forward to spring and the summer Vail river rafting season, we can’t help but get excited. This winter was unique, as every year is. Winter seemed to arrive late, with a relatively dry start to the winter sports season. But as is so often, when the snow arrived, it came with a vengeance.
When is Whitewater Rafting Season in Colorado? When the Snowmelt Comes!
Since the holidays, snowpack across the state has hovered at or above median levels for much of the winter. Lots of snow in the mountains means great conditions are ahead for Colorado river raft trips! Look at the expected conditions for our awesome Colorado river rafting 1-day and half-day trips, and prepare for an awesome Colorado white water rafting season.
Gore Creek and Eagle River Rafting Conditions
In the Colorado River basin, the current snowpack is about 95% of average levels, and more spring storms are forecast. With a high snowpack in the high country, we can expect good early-season rafting on Gore Creek and the Eagle River, which are some of Colorado’s best early summer trips.
When the Eagle River is at its peak, it has some of the best whitewater in the country. But what makes the Eagle River unique is the steady downward gradient. The upper section from Minturn to Avon features a consistent elevation drop, essentially creating a 10-mile-long wave train.
If you’ve never experienced Gore Creek or the Eagle River, don’t wait – come experience it this year! They’re some of the best places to consider where to whitewater raft in Colorado.
Arkansas River Rafting Conditions
Meanwhile, over in the Arkansas River basin, we have a solid snowpack at about 94% of the median. This is the most famous stretch of whitewater in Colorado for good reason. Once the spring thaw begins, we’re in for a memorable summer of whitewater rafting on the Ark.
The world-famous Pine Creek and Numbers sections of the Arkansas River boast some of the country’s best class IV and V whitewater rafting. Further downstream, Browns Canyon National Monument offers a trip through an incredibly scenic gorge with 10 miles of class III rapids. Add to this a backdrop of 14,000-foot peaks and rocky desert landscapes, and it’s easy to see why the Ark is a popular rafting destination, particularly with Browns Canyon rafting trips.
It’s shaping up to be a great season for whitewater rafting in Colorado! If you’re planning a trip to Colorado this year, be sure to reserve dates early for your whitewater adventure.
If you have questions or need to book a trip, please call us at 970-476-3700 or online.
Nick Junker
General Manager
I’m dedicated to leveraging my skills and experiences to make a positive impact in the professional realm.
With a background in Sales and Outdoor Recreation, I’ve navigated through various roles where I’ve honed my expertise in Risk Management, Business Development and Financial Analysis. From Account Executive to General Manager, I’ve cultivated a deep understanding of client and employee relations, Human Resources, Project Management and overall business operations from generating sales to budgeting expenses and managing over 30 employees.
My mission is to create a great culture in any organization I am apart of, through creating efficient industry specific systems within the business that satisfies both employees and investors. Whether it’s through implementing new business systems or managing employee expectations, I’m committed to meeting the goals of the organization.
Known for my strong leadership and organizational skills, I excel in delegating tasks to keep projects and goals on task and on budget. I’m passionate about systems, always seeking innovative solutions to making the business run smoother and more efficiently. I believe in the power of collaboration and enjoy working with diverse individuals to build a strong team thats driven to accomplish the organizations goals.
