Big South Beta

[TonyM]

Ft. Fun Paddlers, I need your help. We are looking to head up to the Big South this weekend. Looking for info on the Levels, Wood situation, Access Gate situation and any other relevant info. I lived in the Fort for a number of years so I am familiar with the run and know the rapids , but its been a few years since I 've been up there, Its real far from Durango. Any info is good info. Thanks, Tony Miely

[KSC]

Not an expert, but I think it's safe to say the gate is not open and the flows will be high. You'd probably have to do something like this:
Colorado Kayaking :: Colorado's online river guide and journal for whitewater kayaking

[deepsouthpaddler]

Long draw res is releasing 350+ cfs, just kicked up releases in the last couple of days. Last rock report with big south levels was med/high without the release. My guess is that means high / insane high flows in the big south right now. No idea on wood or gate, but when the gate opens its a mountainbuzz event!

[RiverWrangler]

Tony - I PM'd you. It will definitely be a sweet weekend for a "from the source run." High water action fo sure! Wood situation in Prime Time is an issue at the entry rapid and towards the bottom (below Double Trouble) it just gets scary because of all the dicey wood maneuvering, so be ready for that...

[GAtoCSU]

If you decide to go in from the top, be ready to portage the first gorge that you run into after the first large tributary comes in. It's normally full of wood (at least it was when I did this in 06) and could be really sketchy if you didn't get out.

Great run, if you want source info feel free to PM me on here and I'll get it to you as soon as I can. Be prepared for the overnight aspect of it. You'll end up camping for sure!

[paddlehead21]

from what i hear Tony M isnt scared of any wood, apparently he grads his ankles when he see it coming!

[Fuzzy]

me love you tongy

[yak1]

I was up there last weekend. I agree on the comments on the gates. The road is plowed all the way in but the F.S. is reluctant to open the gate due to the possiblity of road damage and campground access. We walked up to Slideways and it was raging. There were also lots of trees. The Big South probably has not seen big flows in a number of years so there should be a bumper crop of new trees washing down and getting hung up in new places. You can also call the F.S. and get a recording that tells you if the gate is open. If you happen to get a real live person they will tell you the road is too wet. The thing is that they have no set parameters as to what is an acceptable level of moisture is and on what part of the road.
Good luck.
Yak1

[TonyM]

Oh Fuzzy, I miss you too. Still on the FR? Next time I'm up your way I will drop you a line, go paddle, its been like a decade. Thanks all for your info, I think we are aborting mission for now. Thanks, Tony

[marky mark]

I was up there yesterday and the gate was still closed. Big south was definetly on the high side. We ran Jo Wright and it was great. no wood and padded out, spencer was big and pushy.