|
Lake Tahoe: Whitewater
Paradise
We are
lucky. There’s no getting around it. Lake Tahoe is one of the
best outdoor adventure places in the country. During a typical
summer’s day one can experience nearly every type of water
activity under the sun. This area is blessed with having some of
the best whitewater adventures of anywhere in the country. Truly
rivers are the ribbons, which tie our spirits to the land, and
to have the Truckee in our own back yard, the High Sierra at our
doorstep, and other rivers so close by is a river runners dream.
To a true
river runner, like myself, there are only two types of people;
those who run rivers, and those who haven’t yet had the chance.
So for those of you in category two, here’s a quick introduction
to what it’s all about.
Rivers, for
the purpose of recreational boating, are rated from easy to
difficult on an internationally accepted scale of I-VI. Ratings
(or classes) are meant to be a realistic judgment of technical
difficulty at moderate flow rates. Difficulty, and therefore
rating, can easily increase with higher flows and sometimes at
lower flows when runs become more technically challenging.
Class I is slow moving water with
relatively few obstacles, small waves and riffles, a clearly
defined channel, and easily boated by novice paddlers.
Class II rapids have waves and
obstacles requiring basic maneuvering ability which will
challenge the novice boater. There are no major obstacles in
Class II rapids.
Class III can have moderate irregular
waves, cross currents, and hydraulic reversals or holes which
may be difficult to avoid, and big enough to swamp a canoe or
flip a raft. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat
control are often required.
Class IV rapids are generally steeper,
longer, and more obstructed than Class III. They are powerful
but are predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in
turbulent water. This whitewater is for those with advanced
paddling skills.
Class V is for experts, and may
contain extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids,
which expose a paddler to above average endangerment. Drops may
contain large unavoidable waves and holes, or steep congested
chutes with complex demanding routes.
Class VI is generally considered
unrunnable. There are still boaters out there looking for class
VI runs, but not me. I’m content elsewhere.
River rapids
can be either drop and pool type that allows a boater to recover
and rest if there is a problem, or constant gradient that keeps
on going and going. Constant gradient runs are generally rated
higher because of their continuous current and less forgiving
nature towards those who may make a mistake.
Why are we so
lucky? Because we have it all, and its all close. The Truckee
River up by Tahoe City is a Class I float where thousands of
visitors float the river from Tahoe City to River Ranch every
summer. Farther down on the Truckee from River’s Bend in Verdi
to Vista Boulevard and even further down stream is all Class II
with some III’s at higher water levels in the Spring. The East
Fork of the Carson River from Cave Rock to Hangman’s Bridge
above Markleeville offers continuous gradient Class III water.
From Hangman’s to Minden, 19½ miles of Class II wilderness water
with numerous hot springs to delight the visitor. Have you ever
heard of the Brunswick Canyon section of the Carson? You should
check it out!
Looking for
more excitement? The Truckee River from Boca to Verdi will wet
your appetite for Class III-IV whitewater. The South Fork of the
American river down by Coloma is the most popular Class III run
in the west. Want higher adventure? There are Class IV-V
sections of the North and Middle Forks of the American, the
Yuba, and the Feather Rivers all within a few hours drive from
Reno.
Whatever your
skill level or desire for adrenaline, you can get your desires
fulfilled on local rivers in the area. So pick up a paddle and
we’ll see ya on the river!
A special
note of caution. This spring, the High Sierra received over
160” of new snow in March alone. This large snow pack created extended high water conditions into and through
June and July. So prepare yourself with proper
equipment and have the proper skills and safety know how if
running in cold high water.
Mike Miltner
is owner of Tahoe Whitewater Tours, which runs tours on 5 local
rivers. He has worked in paddlesports recreation for 40 years
and has offices in Reno and Alpine Meadows. All Tahoe Whitewater
guides have extensive whitewater experience, and take our
guest's safety personally. All Tahoe Whitewater guides are
graduates of our intensive guide school and are certified in
First Aid and CPR. They also receive extensive training in river
rescue techniques and water-related emergencies.
Tahoe
Whitewater Tours will provide all necessary equipment including
life jackets, wet suits, dry/rain gear, helmet, etc. We ask that
all clients dress in layers of synthetic clothing (fleece,
Polartec, Poly-pro, etc), avoiding cotton if at all possible.
You should wear your own athletic shoes or secure river sandals.
You will get wet.
All
adventures are offered daily from Mid May until late September,
weather depending. Please feel free to call us to receive an
updated weather report and advice on proper clothing. Guests may
experience unpredictable weather in Late May and early June. Not
to worry...the combination of high water and proper equipment
guarantees a great adventure.
Top
|
