: The Nenana River in the vicinity of road access to Denali National Park is a big-water river, usually pushing around 5000 to 18,000 cfs. The rapids run by the commercial outfitters are pool-drop, Class II big water, with several Class III rapids in the lower sections. In deference to the age of their clients, they run the safest lines through the bigger rapids.  In very high water a few of the drops reach Class IV, but the commercials then either cancel their trips, take added precautions, or add a maximum age for participants. Virtually all the bigger hydraulics flush swimmers and boats out immediately. It’s glacial-fed, so water temperatures are low. Right after breakup the water can be just above freezing, while during July and August it reminds me of Maine ocean water in June.

I know the section of the Nenana just upstream of the confluence with the Yanert River well. It consists of a sharp right hand turn with a bad reactionary pocket on the extreme left, a broad ledge about 20 or 30 feet across the middle, and a shallow chute by a gravel bar on the right.  At most flows this section is solid Class III because avoiding the ledge requires a strong right ferry through three-foot waves that is made more difficult by a large pourover in the middle. Except at low flows, the ledge creates a decent hole that kayakers play. But at very low flows, which we had this year due to a late spring and cool, dry weather, the ledge produces a nasty keeper, and the sneak next to the gravel bar narrows down to about five feet. The flow at the accident site is estimated because the Alaska River Forecast Center gauge is below the confluence of the Yanert, an important tributary, as well as Riley Creek and other streams. My estimate, based on ten years experience on the river, is between 2000 and 3000 cfs.

The majority of the commercial raft business comes through large tour companies operating in the Denali Park area. They cater to well-heeled tourists who travel with bus, railroad, or cruise ship packages. They attract a large number of older clients. Because the outfitters on the Nenana have an excellent safety record and the run itself is not difficult, the rafting package is sold as a safe way to see the Denali Park area.

The accident on May 29, 1999 occurred when an oar rig dropped into the hydraulic below the ledge. It recirculated right-side-up for about 20 minutes while the guide, with the help of other commercial and private boaters, tried to extract it.  During this recirculation a number of guests fell out. One man attempted to hold on to his wife's life vest as they were pummeled, but could not. After the raft was finally extracted, clients were helicoptered from the scene. The air temperature was a chilly 38^o, and the water was probably colder. Nine people were treated for hypothermia.

SOURCE: Jeff Duncan via Email

ANALYSIS: ( Duncan )

1. The outfitter involved in the accident. had been operating on the Nenana for ten years without serious incident. The female guide on the victim's raft was new to Alaska , but had had previous rowing experience with other commercial outfitters in the Lower 48.

2. Commercial outfitters operating in the area seldom see the low flows because they occur right after spring breakup or in the late fall. These are times of very low commercial demand. This could have caused the guide to take a less-than-optimum line.

3. The outfitter dressed their clients in thermal suits with added flotation. It’s doubtful that any additional safety gear would have prevented these deaths, as the victims were retained by the hydraulic for some time.