Idaho Power announced today that "flows of 10,000 cfs or greater in the Class V whitewater Milner Gorge Reach (Milner Mile) below Milner Dam on the Snake River are likely to be available during April 2017." In most years the hydropower project removes so much water from the Milner Gorge that whitewater paddling is not possible at any time. In high water years like this one though, the power company must release flows into the big, powerful Class V run known to paddlers as the Milner Mile.

Whitewater releases are only provided if at least two paddlers request them in advance and show up to paddle.  Idaho Power is required to provide recreational flows on up to four weekend days, including the Memorial Day holiday, between April 1 and June 30, if flows are available and requests are made. Interested paddlers should watch this video to get a feel for the scale of the run, and follow the Idaho Power protocol for requesting one or more releases.

These paddling opportunities were negotiated by American Whitewater and Idaho Rivers United. Enjoy, and be safe out there.