The All-Outdoors Whitewater Rafting California River Blog

Springtime rafters, the Mighty Mer(ced) is calling you!  Unlike the Tuolumne, which will run all summer long, the Merced’s season is dependant on run-off, which means it’s a fleeting experience each year.  Veteran ao rafting guide Joe M is at the helm again, manning our Merced River operation and he and his tip-top crew are fired up to point your boat downstream and start teein’ off this river’s famous wave trains with you!

They’ll be down there waiting to tighten your life jacket and give you stories to taunt all your co-workers with on Monday until early June–so you’ve only got a couple weeks left to make your plans happen.

(Left: Join Joe!  Look how excited he is to take you rafting!)

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It’s happened.  It’s time to say goodbye to the North Fork of the American and the Kaweah for 2013.  We weren’t lyin’ when we told you free-flowing rivers would have short and sweet seasons this year!  After taking just a few lucky folks down these rivers this spring  their seasons are now done and done.

But fear not Dear Reader!  The Merced River is still alive and kickin’ with good water and sunny skies.  Class III and IV rapids await you just outside Yosemite!  And hey, after you’re done with the Merced, call in sick and take another day to see the Tuolumne–it may not be a high water year but 2000 CFS thrumpin’ down Clavey Falls is more than enough to get your blood flowing or my name’s not Malina.

May weekends on the Middle Fork American are a good option closer to Sacramento (after May there will be water midweek too). And………… of course the South Fork is beautiful and crowd-free this time of year as well.

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Yes, we know Britt as a talented river guide-ess, hard-core bicyclist and Junior Guide School specialist but, did you know that she was a varsity lacrosse athlete who studied Biological Sciences at UC Davis? I didn’t. So it makes perfect sense for Britt to combine two of her passions as she takes on the position of Field Biologist on the Tuolumne River Engagement with the Center for Watershed Sciences at UC Davis. The center’s mission, as founded by long-time AO friend Jeff Mount Ph.D, is to conduct research on current critical issues at the forefront of watershed science, and seek to disseminate their findings in a variety of ways within the larger community.

With help from experts like Jeff Mount Ph.D, Joshua Viers Ph.D, and, some logistical aid from All-Outdoors, Britt will conduct research about the hydrologic alteration of the Wild and Scenic Tuolumne River.  She will be collecting and analyzing biological data to determine environmental effects on the Tuolumne River Watershed. If you have ever been there you will understand why these efforts and those of the Tuolumne River Trust fight to protect it.

Top of the Tuolumne River Canyon

So if you see a twenty-something Canadian in her signature neon sampling water on the T, it’s probably Britt. Be sure to ask her about her current research project.

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Up and Down Winter Weather of 2013:

California receives 90% of its precipitation between the months of October and April. The wettest months of the year are usually January, February, and March. The Golden State likes to veer from the norm in many ways and this winter’s weather was no different.

Most of this winter’s precipitation was received in the early months. As of late November the snowpack levels were at 100% of average for that time of year. December was extremely wet with an average of 11 inches of water stored in snow added in that single month! As reported here on the AO Blog, we were in great shape coming into the New Year – half of the seasonal average total was in the bank even before the historically wettest months of the year occurred!

And then it happened… the driest January and February ever recorded in California. Fortunately, the cool temperatures of those dry months preserved the snowpack that accumulated throughout the Sierra Nevada early on and nothing melted until just recently. We were hoping for late storms and more cool weather in March, a repeat of what we saw last year, but Mother Nature did not deliver this time. Above average temperatures and clear, sunny skies caused snowmelt to begin a few weeks ago, and as of early April we lost a few inches of water stored in snow.

So is the 2013 rafting season going down the drain, you ask?? NOT AT ALL! We expect good, but short rafting seasons on most of our free-flowing rivers; and excellent, long seasons on dam-controlled rivers with reservoirs above the whitewater runs, which will have guaranteed flows throughout the summer and into the fall.

Spring Run Rivers
As a result of early melt of some snow in late March and early April, spring free-flowing rivers will have earlier and shorter seasons than normal. Instead of running until the end of June or early July, these non-dam controlled rivers will flow well (but not high) through April and into May and June depending on the river.

Dam-controlled Rivers
Dam-controlled rivers are quite a different story. The season for these rivers will be long, thanks to consistent water releases from upstream reservoirs that are near capacity. Early winter storms helped fill these reservoirs and we’ll benefit from it all season long. See the predicted season for each individual river.

It is fair to say that 2013 is going to be a good year for California rafting but not an outstanding one. If April and May bring cooler and wetter weather than normal, future river flows and the rafting season will improve. If the coming weeks continue to be warm and dry, rivers and flows will remain about the same as we predict.

See our River Flows page for the latest updates and details on all of our runs. Of course you can always call our office and talk to one of us about specifics for each river.

We look forward to seeing you on a California river trip this season!

Gregg Armstrong

Co-owner, All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting
(800) 247-2387

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We are excited and delighted to say that this will be the third year that AO will be privileged to provide post 911 and Persian Gulf veterans with a special rafting and camping experience sponsored by the organization, Honoring the Path of the Warrior (HPW).

As part of the annual rafting event, elements inherent to rafting, such as the magic and beauty of nature, the thrill and challenge of the river, and working as a team, HPW provides meditation and mindfulness tools veterans that can use in their daily lives to reduce anxiety and other symptoms of post-traumatic stress.  Their work is literally life-saving as every 65 minutes a veteran commits suicide.[1] As a nation, we’re just realizing the full scope of PTSD on veterans, their families, and society as a whole.  Events such as the whitewater rafting have had a profound effect on their healing process.

You will enjoy watching one of these groups experience the Middle Fork of the American River: Warriors Middle Fork Video.

Who Is HPW?

Honoring the Path of the Warrior is a non-denominational, non-profit program and fiscal project of the San FranciscoZenCenter that assists this specific group of veterans in making a positive transition from military to civilian life.  Through HPW’s programs, veterans are provided with connection, community, and skills that allow them to use their strengths and experiences to regain a meaningful and productive entry back into civilian life.

Hear It Directly From A Participating Vet

Listen to one of the vets that participated in a rafting retreat speak about the impact this trip has had on him.  You can view it here: Reflection on Rafting Trip

How You Can Help?

Because there is no fee for participating vets, HPW appreciates receiving monetary gifts of support to help them offer their supportive and invaluable programs at no cost.  It’s one way to say thanks to our military personnel that have sacrificed so much.We encourage you to learn more about Honoring the Path of the Warrior and consider supporting what they do.

You may also visit them on their Facebook page.

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Boat Flipping Practice

Class of 2009

If life is a river then the 2013 rafting season is just around the bend. That means we have the Cal Salmon, the Merced, spring flows, 100 degree heat, Poppy Hill and Guide School not so far off in the not-so-distant future. Guide School this year will be offered twice: once in April, April 11-14 and 19-21, and once in June, June 18-24.

People join Guide School for various reasons.  Some want to improve their skills as private rafters, others are looking for 7 adventuresome days of rafting and camaraderie, while others fully intend to become full-time hardcore river raft guides. While that process can be challenging and arduous, full of flips, swims, knots, and gear shuffles, there is no doubt that the journey begins at Guide School and that it will change you.  Guide School is open to all over 16 though most of our students are 18 and over.  It is an intense week of early mornings, variable conditions, heart-pumping moments, laughs for your six-pack, aaaaaaand pretty much the best time you will have with a bunch random people. Join us, if you dare! For more info see our Guide School Page where you will find a link to the Guide School Questionnaire. And, if you want to work as a guide this season you should also check out our Employment Page where you read about the hiring process and find a link to our application. Hope to see you ’round the bend.

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Dave and Jason, Playa Uvita, Costa Rica

Seems we may have a migratory pattern evolving with our AO staff.  Ever since Pam, former guide and manager of AO’s Merced operation, established a unique beach-side hostel in Playa Uvita, Costa Rica the AO migration has only increased. It’s no coincidence she calls it The Flutterby House. We’ve got AO guides migrating there like a bunch of Monarchs.

While many AO folks of past and present have visited, two of AO’s favorites are spending their winters “working” at Pam’s brain child. In the Spring Dave manages the North Stanislaus River and in the hot summer months he’ll guide you down Clavey Falls on the T or drive you up the narrow Middle Fork take-out road (beads of sweat dripping from his brow!). But today, my friends, he is on a much-deserved stay-cation. He is reported to be as  giddy as a carefree 12 year old whose biggest concern is fitting in surf sessions in between fresh ceviche, karaoke en español, and a little “work”.  Seems Dave has really taken to heart the local saying in Costa Rica, “Pura vida” (pure life).

Dave and Jason donning AO threads!

Also roughing it the tropics is Jason, one of our favorite South Fork/Middle Fork  guides. Armed with some Rosetta Stone Spanish lessons and a smile  Jason is learning about toros, purrujas, and surfing(ocean-style).

We miss them both and can’t wait to see them in April for early season rafting.

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by Sarah diVittorio, Dec 2012, Sierra at Tahoe

Well, (knock on wood) 2013 is off to a fabulous start thanks to a remarkable hand-off in the final stretches from 2012. The six weeks of wet, cold storms in December covered the Sierra Nevadas with a brilliant blanket of snow. We water sport enthusiasts are delighted to be skiing on that snow today and, before you know it, we’ll be rafting on it.

Now my mother says not to count your chickens before they hatch but, a wee winter storm update couldn’t hurt, right? According to blogger Bryan Allegretto of The Tahoe Daily Snow we have already received 55% of the seasonal average and we have a lot of winter ahead (not to mention we got several inches last night). Below average temperatures and intermittent snow are keeping conditions ideal in the mountains. The California Department of Water Resources reports that the Folsom, New Melones, and Don Pedro reservoirs are at or above 100% of historical averages. This means that upstream reservoirs on rivers like the South and Middle Forks of the American, the Tuolumne, and the North Stanislaus are likely to be full and ready to spill in the Spring. At this point we are looking at similar conditions to 2010 (yes, my fingers are crossed).

So, if you were wondering if you should take advantage of our Pre-Season Sale, I think the answer is clear. But, wait! Maybe you don’t know when you want to raft. Maybe you don’t know where you want to raft. Eh, no worries… with the Pre-Season Sale you can purchase a certificate in January, get 25% more for money and use it like a credit toward the AO trip you choose. This is the best promotion we do all year because it allows you to save some of those hard-earned dollars and raft on your own schedule. Remember, the sale ends at 5pm on January 31^st. After that, new 2013 rates go into effect. Carpe Diem or forever hold your peace.

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Mark Dubois and George Armstrong at the CRA

As it is the month of Thanksgiving I’d say it’s time to count some of our blessings here at AO. Last month AO’s founding father, George Armstrong, was honored at the C.R.A. Gala. George received the Mark Dubois Award for his leading role in furthering river conservation. In the 60′s George pioneered an outdoor education program at Mount Diablo High School where he was a teacher. It was called Summit Seekers. At the Gala I met Terry, a student of his who became a leader in the program. She says that nothing remotely similar existed at the time in the area and that what George had started was groundbreaking.  He was leading groups of teens into the backwoods, down remote rivers, and up rock cliffs.  His students learned life skills, survival skills, an appreciation for nature and an appreciation for the swift hand of discipline.  Oh yes, if you hang with George’s former students long enough you’ll hear some fun stories. Like the time George took the Summit Seekers on a snow camping trip and found some students drinking alcohol in a tent. You’d think he would have confiscated the liquor, returned to his tent, and poured himself a stiff drink, right? Like any other adult leading teens on a snow camping trip would be tempted to do, right? Wrong. George ended the excursion then and there. They got out of bed, they packed up, they hiked back the to cars, and left for home… at 2 in the morning… in a snow storm. (Yes, I know it sounds crazy and, I think you are getting the point.) I could go on and on, as can George’s students and children. He has created a rich and spirited tradition of adventure in the outdoors coupled with a deep understanding of the need to respect and protect the land we love.  I am fortunate to work for a company with roots as deep and pure as these. It is a rare and blessed thing.

Goodwin Canyon 2012

I mean, if it weren’t for George (and our dedicated, hardcore, bad-to-the-bone guests) we wouldn’t have been on  Goodwin Canyon just three weeks ago having a BALL! And, I had better not leave out a big thank you to Mother Nature. We have already had two great storms, the Sierras are snow-capped, AND we have 5-6 days of rain ahead.  I repeat…there are so many reasons to be thankful. Happy Thanksgiving!

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So my fellow rafting enthusiasts, it’s about that time of the year that we have this talk. The first week of distinctly fall weather just rolled through the Bay Area, and now it’s time to start looking forward to pumpkin spice lattes, jack-o-lanterns, turkey feasts and other wintery past times. We’ve just had some great runs recently down the Goodwin Canyon (which you can still get in on until the 27th), and now it’s about time to start focusing on reeling in the reigns to build ourselves back up for next summer.

But since you’ve stuck with us to the end of the season (you are reading about rafting at the end of October), I want to give you a few pointers to make next season even better than this one.

1. If you know that you’re going to do some good hard rafting next summer, you definitely want to get in on our Pre-Season Sale. The sale runs November 1 through January 31.
2. Sign up for our e-news. I know for some, including myself, getting extraordinary amounts of emails is a hassle, but our e-news letter is one of the best ways to find out about limited time sales (like the aforementioned Pre-Season Sale).
3. Get in on the Cal Salmon

trip. We usually do one weekend up on the Cal Salmon class V run at the end of April. It’s a crazy long drive north, but it’s great rafting and hands down the most beautiful river canyon I’ve ever been too.
So there’s my two cents, and hey, if you have your own pointers for the off season, down’t keep them to yourself. Let everyone know what joyous rafting aspirations you have for summer 2013!

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