woodham@ubc-visi.UUCP (06/30/83)
I was on a Colorado River rafting trip through the Grand Canyon June 2-8, 1983. (ASIDE: It is/was a superb trip and I strongly recommend it.) The water flow was about 40,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) when we started but was increased to 60,000 cfs before we finished. At the time this was the greatest flow permitted since the Glen Canyon dam was built in 1963. (Normal flow is from 5,000 - 25,000 cfs.) Last night the CBC (Canadian) radio program "As it Happens" reported that 90,000 cfs had been released through the dam. Damage to the concrete linings of the dam spillways was reported. In addition, it was reported that eight boats flipped at Crystal rapid with one death and fifteen injuries. The rapid is now closed to rafting and eighty eight people were evacuated. I would like to hear more details from anybody local to or knowledgeable about what is happening in the area. Please reply via mail. In particular, I am interested in the future of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon (beach erosion, etc.) and in the "politics" of water management in Arizona and Utah.
tom@rlgvax.UUCP (07/08/83)
References: <388@ubc-visi.UUCP>
I, too, am interested in the latest word concerning the high
levels of the Colorado in the Grand Canyon. Anyone have
uptodate, detailed information on how it will affect boaters
later this summer (like mid-August?).
- Tom Beres
{sesimo, allegra, brl-bmd, mcnc}!rlgvax!tomcmsj@ihuxm.UUCP (07/11/83)
Regarding all the problems on the Colorado:
Does anyone have any information about further North
on the river (Cataract Canyon region) and about the
Green river also? I am supposed to be on a trip through
the region in late August and am curious as to the anticipated
situation in the area (i.e. will I be able to go?)
Thanks in advance for any information.
Chris Jachcinski
BTL - Naperville, IL
..!ihnp4!ihuxm!cmsjwoods@hao.UUCP (07/11/83)
This is what I heard on the channel 9 (KBTV Denver) news last night:
The Colorado river is currently closed in many areas due to flood-level
waters (there are places open, but I definitely recommend finding out for sure
before you go). Flood level waters are expected to continue *into September*
(that's what they said!). Definitely check it out ahead of time.
GREG
{ucbvax!hplabs | allegra!nbires | decvax!brl-bmd | harpo!seismo | menlo70}
!hao!woodsmam@rabbit.UUCP (07/12/83)
One source of information concerning the Grand Canyon is the National Park Service. I'm not sure how one would get in touch with them, but you might try calling headquarters at the Grand Canyon. Meredith Morris
ajk@houxe.UUCP (07/12/83)
I just got off a trip down the Colorado through the Canyon. Our trip started on June 26. On June 25 at least 4 rafts flipped, most of them at Crystal Rapids. There was at least one fatality and over 25 serious injuries. The one fatality I know of was not from drowning but from crushing of ribs on rocks. The park service closed the river and opened it the next day to trips that agreed to walk around Crystal Rapids. (Every one on my trip agreed). The park service closed the river to all new trips on June 26, so I was lucky to make it. The river was wild and every corner had outrageous rapids. The rest of the trip was not all that dangerous because of experienced guides and good rafts. The water was a cool 53 degrees and the air temp was a meager 105-115 degrees. I would certainly recommend the trip to every one and from what I understand there is a 1 to 2 year waiting list for reservations so start thinking now. A good company to go with is Diamond River Adventures in Page AZ. A. Kessler