Crystal 6-26-07

After a day on the Roaring Fork, we decided to check out the Crystal in the next valley over. I was hoping to run Crystal Mill Falls, but it really didn't look good. The preferred line is right. Unfortunately there is a jagged outcropping creating a curling boil. This boil pushes straight into the center left seam where you don't want to be. Maybe it goes easier with more water?



Since we were up there we ran the short section below Crystal Mill. We knew it probably would not be very good but we went anyway. There is one significant drop on this section. It is a 6 footer that strongly resembles a lowhead dam. There is a 10-15 foot recirculation that is worse on the left. Looking down from above.



I ran right, got no boof off the shallow shelf, and paddled out of the backwash. Brian did the Class V portage on the left.



Basically the run was Class III with some wood and a scary hydraulic. I doubt I'll do this one again. We ran Crystal Narrows on the way out of the canyon. The scenic and enjoyable Narrows: