Union Chutes 3-28-07

The great thing about Union Chutes is how the features change as the water level changes. It was running 1050 cfs which is the highest I have ever seen it, and it was completely different than at 900. We spent some time surfing the wave at the 4th drop, where I have never seen a wave before. The wave was a bit flushy but had a nice shoulder for blunts. The rumor was the the U-hole was washed out, but we checked it out anyway. It was actually super fun. Much faster and more powerful than at low water- like riding in a washing machine but without the quarters. Big loops too if you didn't care about sticking them in the hole. Hopefully it keeps running all spring. Sorry, no pictures.

Bear Creek 3-24-07

I had been watching the Bear Creek gauge all week and finally we got some rain (and snow). The flow jumped to 140cfs which is just about enough. After some overly enthusiatic posts on Mountainbuzz about how great the flow would be, I had a few takers. Carter, John, and Mark all showed up at the take-out psyched for a little mank 'n wood. Yet another good experience finding boating buddies on the buzz. We scouted No Fun Falls on the way up. This is the entrance rapid. It was snowing a little bit.



The first part of the run was reletively uneventful. We scouted No Scout Falls on the island. There was no wood and the boof was super. A huge log floated past us above the second rapid and we could not see if it flushed through so we prudently scouted. No worries- it was clean. There are no photos of this section because my hands were freezing off.

Carter approaching the second slide:


We all walked the dam even though it looked pretty runable. We knew there was likely to be wood in the last long rapid. There are not a whole lot of eddies in this section so we just ran it. Sure enough, the rockpile after the ledge was full of wood. Its hard to see in the picture, but trust me its there. We went back up to try to pull the wood out. Some pieces came out, but there is still a log just under the surface after the rockpile that has serious pinning potential. If you miss your boof here, you could have serious problems. FYI- there are no eddies above this spot- be careful.


Then we cruised to the takeout where it wasn't even that cold:


140 was a fine level but more would be better. Pray for rain and be heads up for wood if you go.

Union Chutes 3-23-07

Rain...yes rain in March. Chatfield Res was overfull and Union was running 905cfs, which is a great level. I was joined by the infamous CUkayakgirl and COUNT for a late even session. We showed up a little late, but the level was good and the water was clear (I think they were releasing out of the bottom of the Res) The first hole is a little sticky and a little shallow. Yes, it is manmade:

Christine tried out her fancy new kayak

#2(The Hollywood Hole) was chundery as usual. #3 was better than I have ever seen it- gentle with spins and blunts both ways.

We cruised down to the U-hole...then it got dark.

The benefits of kayaking in an industrial setting- lights:



The U-hole is my favorite at this level. Its fast and a little flushy, but you can still loop. There is enough lighting from the surrounding area to surf here after dark (the first hole also has a good light). It should run for the next few days. Get it while you can.

Waterton Canyon- 3-17-07

Waterton Canyon on the South Platte is the old faithful/fallback Class III run in the Front Range. Andy, Nate and myself were feeling a bit desperate after a long cold winter, so we made the trip. The level was about 500cfs and the weather was great. It is still March though so we got to experience the Waterton box canyon...the ice box canyon that is.



beautiful day in the ice canyon


Nate enjoying the takeout:


looks colder than it is