On the Middle Fork a bigger boat is always better. On June 27 you’re not going to have to worry either way. As it drops bigger boats draft higher and can get over more. It’s really about picking the right route through shallow area. Take an 18’ on September 27 if you want.
Middle Fork of Salmon Boat Size
Howdy!
I am on a MF Salmon trip that launches on June 27, and the flow is likely to be about 3 feet (maybe less).
Having never done this run, I am unaware of the river structure at the above-mentioned flows and I am undecided to take a 14-foot or 16-foot SB raft.
Is a 16-foot SB raft going to be a headache to get down the MFS at medium-low flows (i.e. likelihood to get stuck is greater)?
I am on a MF Salmon trip that launches on June 27, and the flow is likely to be about 3 feet (maybe less).
Having never done this run, I am unaware of the river structure at the above-mentioned flows and I am undecided to take a 14-foot or 16-foot SB raft.
Is a 16-foot SB raft going to be a headache to get down the MFS at medium-low flows (i.e. likelihood to get stuck is greater)?
1 - 20 of 24 Posts
Just curious how you are predicting flow of 3 feet or less. While it could be with the amount of precip in the forecast for the next several weeks and no major heat waves that I have seen I am thinking mid 3s or around 3K cfs than the 2k which would be 3 feet. In terms of boat size bring the boat you like the best. I run my 17 foot Maravia at flows down to 400 cfs and often have easier lines than the guys in the 14 footers. If you are putting the same weight on the boat go with the bigger one.
I like big boats and I do not lie....
I like big boats and I do not lie....
I am following the information on this Web site.Just curious how you are predicting flow of 3 feet or less. While it could be with the amount of precip in the forecast for the next several weeks and no major heat waves that I have seen I am thinking mid 3s or around 3K cfs than the 2k which would be 3 feet. In terms of boat size bring the boat you like the best. I run my 17 foot Maravia at flows down to 400 cfs and often have easier lines than the guys in the 14 footers. If you are putting the same weight on the boat go with the bigger one.
I like big boats and I do not lie....
National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service
National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS)
water.weather.gov
Ok. That looks like a horrible way to predict flow. Not sure what that bar graph even means. Seems like they are commitment phobic. Not even sure what an exceedance probability is. The point is that it won't matter which boat for you, it will be a great flow. Not so low to technical, not so big to be intimidating. I will mention that the fishing should be stellar as well.
Anyone who isn't commitment phobic about river flows is crazy.Ok. That looks like a horrible way to predict flow. Not sure what that bar graph even means. Seems like they are commitment phobic. Not even sure what an exceedance probability is. The point is that it won't matter which boat for you, it will be a great flow. Not so low to technical, not so big to be intimidating. I will mention that the fishing should be stellar as well.
That graph means that the model predicts a 95% chance that the flow will be above the dark blue bar and a 5% chance the flow will be above the light yellow bar. River predictions are rarely right, but at least these plots give an idea of the range of conditions to prepare for.
Don’t you ruin my 4.5’ on June 26 with your talk of probabilities of 3’ on June 27!!!! You best prepare yourself for 4.48’ when you put in cause that’s what I’m thinking hard about!!!Anyone who isn't commitment phobic about river flows is crazy.
That graph means that the model predicts a 95% chance that the flow will be above the dark blue bar and a 5% chance the flow will be above the light yellow bar. River predictions are rarely right, but at least these plots give an idea of the range of conditions to prepare for.
Nice date! Flows will be in a range where boat size really doesn’t matter. Take an 18’, take a 12’, whatever. Only time size counts there is when you need a big boat for runoff.
I have done the MF multiple times from low levels to 6.2. My favorite boat is a 16 foot and it performs well on that river at all reasonable levels. Remember that this is the river where they go down with massive sweep boats late in the season. If you do end up running it at lower levels, keep the tubes soft and dry boxes/cooler off the floor. Also, push on the oars to keep momentum and have fun.Howdy!
I am on a MF Salmon trip that launches on June 27, and the flow is likely to be about 3 feet (maybe less).
Having never done this run, I am unaware of the river structure at the above-mentioned flows and I am undecided to take a 14-foot or 16-foot SB raft.
Is a 16-foot SB raft going to be a headache to get down the MFS at medium-low flows (i.e. likelihood to get stuck is greater)?
We definitely need to get AI involved here, I mean, who likes any uncertainty 😎Anyone who who isn't commitment phobic about river flows is crazy.
That graph means that the model predicts a 95% chance that the flow will be above the dark blue bar and a 5% chance the flow will be above the light yellow bar. River predictions are rarely right, but at least these plots give an idea of the range of conditions to prepare for.
I've done the Middle 15 times, always found that July 10th was when the weather on the Middle seem to break and you got a lot of sun from then on. Done June trips in snow up high and rained 6 out of 7 days. I'm not talking a passing rain storm, hard, cold rain- all damn day, every day. Rained hard enough that a yellow cat wasn't visible 150 feet ahead.The only redeeming factor was that if and when the sun poked out for 15 minutes one of the girls was immediately topless, couldn't figure that one out but I didn't complain either. It was unexepected and It still makes me laugh. River people are the best.
I'd say it depends on who and what is in your boat. Family of four? Bring the 16'. Just you and maybe a partner or friend? Bring the 14'. Both have advantages. Bigger boat is more stable but heavier to move around in the river. Smaller boat is less stable but easier to move around.
16 for sure. No reason not to have the larger boat at the easy flow you will be on.
16'
Always 16'.
Always 16'.
Unless you only have a 14'16'
Always 16'.
Then you trade it in on a 16' 🙂Unless you only have a 14'
A 14' AND it's got pins n clips?!
Sooooo many problems!! 😄
Sooooo many problems!! 😄
Surfed the ledge hole at lava. Longest 30 seconds of my life. I was a new rafter and missed the left line but finished on the right. I jumped to the front of the boat when heading towards the big wave at the bottom and held my breath….much easier run in my larger boat.
But it was vintage 🤣. Pins and clips were the bomb back in the day.A 14' AND it's got pins n clips?!
Sooooo many problems!! 😄
1 - 20 of 24 Posts
Mountain Buzz
A forum community dedicated to whitewater kayaking, boating, and rafting enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about safety, routes, gear, models, styles, gear swaps, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Top Contributors this Month
View All
Pinchecharlie
115 Replies
jamesthomas
77 Replies
Dangerfield
72 Replies
Recommended Communities
