Stupid ????

rasdoggy · 06-05-2005

I know this is one.
As you know I am a NEW boater so be kind.
When does a river become a creek??? I know it has to do with amount of water but comparing apples to apples the Ark. is a creek to the Mississippi.

My ??? is about the class level ie; the Deckers Chutes does that qualify as creeking? Just the Chutes portion. Foxton??? I've hiked the Clear Creek of the Ark and seen boaters run it the section thru the real narrow area???

What makes a Creek a Creek???? When do I need that Nomad????

Don't be mean...

El Flaco · 06-05-2005

It's a good question, and it definitely varies from region to region. The "creeks" in the NW and NorCal would compare to sections on the Poudre or Ark.

For Colorado, I think it comes down to the quality of the moves in the riverbed- at certain levels, The Numbers have "creeky" moves. Generally, I think that once you step above 100 ft/mi + below 1000 cfs, you're more into the field of creeking. However, lots of variables apply, and I'm sure others have their own definitions.

So, I think the Chutes section does have a creek "feel", add it more gradient directly above and below - then you would have to link a number of technical moves; that's creeking.

WhiteLightning · 06-05-2005

I think of creeks as lower-volume bodies of water. If you look at a run and it looks like it would be next to impossible to run a 14 ft raft down it, then it is a creek. "Creekin" or "Steep Creekin" does tend to mean there is some good gradient, drops, etc. I've run class III creeks, but wouldn't call that "creekin". I guess you need the creek boat when stuff is steep and bony enough to not feel comfy in a play boat or river runner. Creek boats aren't as good for big water, from what I've heard. Their high volume bubbly shape tends to get grabbed by monster holes where a playboat or lower volume river runner might not get caught up as much.

So here's another question... When does a river become "big water"? I'd say it depends on the body of water, Shoshone might have big water flavor at 5000+ cfs. Any comments?