Saturday, the parking issues are tremendous and we ask ALL kayakers to please use the shuttle service located at the Cresta Powerhouse. The Forest Service is asking the Highway Patrol’s assistance in ensuring that NO private vehicles be allowed to stop at the put-in location between the tunnels just below Cresta Dam. Caltrans, the Highway Patrol, and the Forest Service are very concerned about traffic safety at the put-in location so please park at the Cresta Powerhouse and USE THE SHUTTLE! Rafts are allowed on the shuttle or can put in just downstream of Grizzly Creek. The kayak put in is a rather steep trail to the river but was utilized by a number of rafts during the September release weekend. Please inquire at the American Whitewater booth for directions. The shuttle service is a paltry $5.00 donation, and makes life easier for everybody.
Sunday, we will also provide shuttle service but things are more flexible concerning parking. Furthermore, there are several runs available depending on your skill level. The section from Rock Creek Dam to the parking area at Tobin Vista is class III (4), The Tobin section from Tobin Vista to the Storrie Bridge is class V, and from Storrie Bridge to the Rock Creek Powerhouse is class IV.
On a cautionary note, Tobin IS class V. There are many undercuts and sieves in this section of river and should not be taken lightly. During the July release weekend, a father and his son drowned while swimming in this section at base flow levels. There was a previous drowning in June, and a near drowning later in July, all at base flow levels. Many of these sieves are covered during boating flows, yet can easily take your life! This is NOT a section of river to expand your boating horizons on. If you are not completely confident of your paddling ability, I’d strongly advise first testing the waters below Storrie Bridge to get a feel for the nature of the river. Keep in mind that Tobin is significantly more difficult than the Storrie Bridge section. If you are looking for that first class V experience, you might seek a safer section of river. ANY serious incident involving whitewater recreation may hamper our efforts in opening up additional sections of this wonderful river. Boat smart, Boat safe!
We are in need of volunteer help in order to keep things operating smoothly at the parking areas and at shuttle drop-off points. A couple of hours time would be greatly appreciated and would still leave you with plenty of time to get your whitewater fix! Don’t be shy, drop me an e-mail to select your "shift"… 9:00am – 11:00am, 11:00am – 1:00pm, 1:00pm – 3:00pm, 3:00pm – 5:00pm (break down and clean up).
Jeff Wilson at the Tobin Resort will be serving meals and there will be a informal gathering Saturday night to celebrate the first season of whitewater flows. Live music, videos, and refreshments will be enjoyed by all!
– Kevin Lewis, AW Board Member