Idaho's Bear River to Flow This Week

Alert!  Due to maintenance on the diversion pipe on Idaho's Bear River, all flow in the Bear River will be flowing through the normally dewatered Black Canyon, between April 12^th and April 22^nd.  The Black Canyon has not run in 6 years, so this presents a unique opportunity for paddlers to get out on this great 6.2 mile long class IV/V stretch of river.    <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Gage:  The gauge listed as 'Below Grace Dam' is the gage to watch, and is located at the take-out.  If that gauge shows enough water, there will definitely be enough in the Black Canyon itself. Be aware that the water is contingent on the weather-- earlier may be better than later in the 10-day period just due to whatever rain/snow we get.  You can also check flows at (http://www.pacificorp.com/Article/Article40779.html) or the toll-free number 800-547-1501 (hit #3 to skip ahead on the flow phone).

Levels: Most have suggested 500cfs as a low end threshold for safe boating, and 1000 - 1200 as a really fun level.

Special Considerations:  Please be informed if you do venture down there, as things like school buses, abandoned farm vehicles, and refrigerators sadly adorn the bottom of the canyon-- be safe!!

Future Opportunities:  Scheduled releases for this stretch will begin in the spring of '08; the years 2005-07 are opportunistic flows only, and would take flood conditions to occur (the dam must already be spilling 500 cfs, which would only happen if the river were above 1700cfs). Once scheduled releases start, the web site will carry the dates of those for the year as soon as they are scheduled, so that people can plan in advance for those.  These releases were negotiated by American Whitewater and our partners.

Follow Up:  If you are lucky enough to get on the Bear, Please email a trip report to Charlie Vincent at charliev@xmission.com

More Information:  Check out http://www.americanwhitewater.org/journal/jpg/index.phtml?thefile=1997_4_014.jpg