Clear Creek of the Ark 6-16-07

Fibark weekend on the Ark with perfect weather and good flows- this is why we live in Colorado. If you can't find beautiful free camping in the Arkansas valley, you need to have your vision checked out.



On Saturday morning everyone and their brother showed up to run Clear Creek of the Ark. Pre-scouting the gorges from the road is a popular (and wise) option.



We had about 300 cfs. I expected this flow to fill in the small creekbed pretty well. I was surprised with how bony and not pushy the creek still was. More water would definitely be good.

The first gorge was good fun and had some strategically placed wood.



Exit from the first gorge.



The first run went super smooth, so we went up for another. On the second run, a member of our group experienced a scary underwater pin on the rock in the center of this rapid, which comes up quickly after the first gorge. Due to this pin, the paddler was forced to abandon his personal watercraft and his paddle. Said watercraft was then Z-dragged off the rock and the paddle is gone. In case you are wondering, the line is to follow the main flow RIGHT of the rock.



Scenic tributary waterfall visible from the takeout.