American River Rafting and California Whitewater Rafting - water level conditions for the coming season
Water level predictions for American River rafting and other California Whitewater rafting trips for 2012:
Despite a reprieve from Mother Nature in March, most of California ended up with a below normal snow pack so very different to our abundant snow pack in 2011. Northern California ended up about average, but S. California was below 50% of normal, so the S. California rivers will be drying up very early this year.
Fortunately, we have some drought proof rivers with the American River, Klamath River and Trinity River having raftable flows all the way into September
As Tributary offers so many choices, we can usually find a suitable rafting trip for you at any time of the season, and for all ability levels.See below for the specifics for each river.
South Fork American River Rafting - has guaranteed releases nearly all year round, though we usually only schedule trips through September. Generally higher flows and more excitement is to be found before mid-June, but guaranteed releases mean exciting whitewater through the season. For younger children and non-swimmers,consider the Lower Middle Fork American River or choose the lower Gorge run instead of the upper Chili Bar run. We will be operating 6 days a week, with no guaranteed water releases on Wednesdays, but good water every other day.
Middle Fork American River Rafting - has guaranteed water releases so we will be running this great Class 3-4 rafting trip ALL SUMMER through at least Sept 25th. Check out this wonderful wilderness canyon on a 2 day trip, especially recommended for a great "get away" for bachelor parties and groups who like camping privacy and often a custom trip. .
North Fork Yuba River rafting - Looks like Memorial Weekend will be the last weekend for good flows, though only on the Class 4 runs of Maytag and Bullards Bar. The Class 5 runs upstream are finished for 2012.
North Fork American River rafting - Finished for 2012 season.
Truckee River rafting trips - The all summer Boca Run is now aavilable and will be through September. Please do not let people tell you there is no rafting on the Truckee, when they are probably talking about the raft rental float out of Tahoe City. The water for our trip comes from different sources and is available when the float is too low or too high!! No runs on the easier downstream Verdi Run this season as water will be too low.
We are always very busy on the Truckee River due to the popularity of Lake Tahoe, so. BOOK WELL AHEAD!
East Fork Carson rafting - may get enough water if it gets really hot for a while, but just dribbling down the mountain right now. Though its possible to get down at current flows, its a really long day, or hard to get a loaded gear boat down for a 2 day trip.
Upper Sacramento Rafting - should be flowing into June, but best sooner than later.
California Salmon River - should be flowing well into June.
Burnt Ranch Gorge on the Trinity River - this class 5 run, though dam controlled is dependant on the type of water year. N. California got a little bit above average this winter, so looks like trips will be possible June 28 through July 21
Trinity River Rafting - usually best time to run is in June and early July. Flows get reduced gradually through the season, so though trips are possible into September, the best time for 2102 is before mid-July. Better water is to be found on the Lower Klamath after this. Check out Family Special trips for 2012 schedule.
Lower Klamath River Rafting - best time is usually late June through August. Check out Family Special trips scheduled during July and August.
Upper Klamath River Rafting - one of the best choices for great Class 4+ summer whitewater and usually stomping all the way through September.
Kaweah River Rafting - The Class 4 runs are now finished for 2012, though there may be some options for short Class 3 trips into early June.
