Good times all the way. Snag looks scarier but I think its easier to run at 3000. Do not beleive the forcasts. They are notorious for allways being wrong. Last year they were supposed to release at 1000 for a couple of weeks and it turned into a couple of days.
Dolores River Below McPhee Reservoir (updated Thursday 5-8-08)
Recent weather seems to have kept the McPhee inflows low, especially the Dolores River, leading to slower than anticipated reservoir filling. Larger releases will not be forthcoming next week, but probably closer to Memorial Day, so stay tuned. Releases below McPhee for this weekend, Saturday May 10 to Sunday May 11 will run approximately 1400 cfs, through Sunday evening, rising from the current 1000cfs during Friday. Next week will run between 1000 -1400 cfs probably running into the weekend. Memorial Day forecast coming soon. Flows expected to remain above 800 cfs through May, but timing will change with weather and inflow. The month of May historically gives the highest inflows to McPhee and should be reflected in the releases so stay tuned for current updates every Monday & Thursday. The May forecast below remains the best estimate, but timing may vary. The most current flows are available at Division of Water Resources site, Dolores gage below McPhee. Colorado Division of Water Resources. See more rafting detailed recommendations from our local Public Lands office at BLM Colorado | Field Offices San Juan Public Lands Center | Dolores River Information.
May 1-31 - It is anticipated the flows will range between 800cfs and 2,000cfs in the first half of May and may increase to a peak of 3,000-4000cfs briefly in late May. An attempt will be made to keep flows in the 1,200-2,000 cfs range over Memorial Day. Flows could remain as high as 2,000-3,000cfs in the last week of May. These peaks could vary in timing, duration and size depending on the weather.
So next week is 1,000-1,400, not 2,000-3,000.
Also note that the "May 1-31" forecast paragraph has been changed. The original said the entire third week would be 3,000-4,000, now it says it 'may' 'briefly' reach a peak of 3,000-4,000 in 'late May.'
Its all good above 1000. Its mostly an easy run on all stretches of the river. Snag is easier at 3000 but but not much harder at 1000. Obviously things are a little rockier when lower but it ain't that rocky overall compared to other rivers.
Thanks to all for the info. Sounds like from one post in the other thread that it might be more interesting below 1000 (but how far below I wonder), or above 2000. Hmmm....
Linear Mode
