[cstork]

We're looking at running the Yampa Cross Mountain Gorge, but we've heard different things about the difficulty at different water levels.

CRCII says at very high water, class V boaters have "I saw god" experiences. Someone else says that at 1000 cfs, it is a tame run.

How is it at 2500 cfs?

At what level does it get IV+? V-?

CRCII has it as a class V above 2500, but that doesn't seem right.

Thanks.

 

[mountainbuns]

I paddled it for the first time earlier this year (demoing a ZG) - the level was near 3000 I was told. It is not class V at this level. I'd expected a narrower river bed, more high-volume creeky run by the CRC description, but it seemed more of a river run to me. Mostly it's squirrelly fun read-and-run class III and IV. We scouted a a couple rapids, I don't remember the names. If you're in there without a guide I'd just scout major horizon lines. I flipped a few times getting used to the ZG, it can be swirly but with a fast roll no problems.

I'd guess the "i saw god" experiences probably start around 4500 and above. It was pretty basic IV at 3000. High water would be a hoot.