Esopus Creek

Espous Creek Release for August 31st through September 2, 2019 approved - lower than usual - hazard at Sleepy Hollow (Tree down)

Solid release for tubing (Boating, not so much)

Marc,
I’m pleased to inform you that the additional release you’ve requested in support of Shandaken Whitewater Weekend on August 31- September 2, 2019 has been approved.
Due to ongoing construction activity, the maximum diversion from the Shandaken Portal is approximately 250 MGD (387 cfs) at this time. Therefore, there may be significantly less streamflow observed at the activity site than during past recreational release events.
Have an enjoyable weekend!
Sincerely,
Brenan

Esopus Creek - New England Slalom Series/Recreational Release -10/7-8/2017 Approved

Hi Folks,

The recreational whitewater release on The Esopus Creek for New England Slalom Series/Recreational Release -10/7-8/2017 has been approved.

Please note that there are downed trees blocking the part of channel below Phoenicia that should be avoidable by anyone with reasonable skills; reports from prior trips confirm this. I've posted details here: http://670.marchollander.com/esopus-creek-tree-down/ Excercise judgement to ensure you paddle within your own limits. (Take note of the NY Constitutional Convention Page while you visit this site too.)

My working group has agreed on a protocol for managing wood in streams that yeilds a determination to 1) remove wood that's a threat to safety and ifrastructure and 2) maintain wood that's good for the eco system. The trees referenced above are deemed a safety hazard that have no beneft to the habitat. Over the next few months we hope to identify how to complete the protocol; act on removing the wood deemed a safety hazard and hopefully identify a source of funding and group willing to remove the trees with those funds. Stay tuned for updates as I have them,

Enjoy the creek for me as I continue to focus on improving my back and hip health.

Best Regards,
Marc Hollander

Esopus Creek - Labor Day Weekend / Shandaken Whitewater Weekend -9/2-4/2017 - Update

Hi Folks,

Here's a nice update from Brenan that should provide prime conditions on the creek:

'I’m requesting a maximum flow through the Shandaken Portal. At the current baseflows and reservoir storage level, that should result in a Coldbrook flow just around 900 cfs, maybe a little less (~885 cfs).'

Have a great time and let me know how your trips were.

Best Regards,
Marc

Previous message of 8/4/2016 describing strainer at Uncle Pete's is no longer relevant; it's no longer present.

Hi Folks,

The recreational whitewater release on The Esopus Creek for Labor Day Weekend / Shandaken Whitewater Weekend 9/2-4/2017 has been approved.

Please note that there are downed trees blocking the part of channel below Phoenicia that should be avoidable by anyone with reasonable skills. I've posted details here: http://670.marchollander.com/esopus-creek-tree-down/ Exercise judgement to ensure you paddle within your own limits. (Take note of the NY Constitutional Convention Page while you visit this site too.)

My working group has agreed on a protocol for managing wood in streams that yields a determination to 1) remove wood that's a threat to safety and infrastructure and 2) maintain wood that's good for the ecosystem. The trees referenced above are deemed a safety hazard that have no benefit to the habitat. Over the next few months we hope to identify how to complete the protocol; act on removing the wood deemed a safety hazard. Stay tuned for updates as I have them,

Best Regards,
Marc Hollander

The maximum level of 6.25 feet (perhaps 1500 CFS) is wildly unrealistic. Typically that isn't even enough to paddle the section above the portal. A much better reference is the guage at Allaben, a bit upstream of the portal: http://tinyurl.com/2p9by7

I'd guess that about 400 is minimum, and I've paddled from Big Indian at about 1000cfs on the Allaben guage. At that level it's mostly fast and continuous, but not technically difficult. Figure class 2 to 3 waves and current, but not much manuevering required to miss rocks or holes. As of late 2007 there are two river-wide strainers that are mandatory portages. They can both be seen from county route 47, a bit west of state route 42. One is just downstream of the upstream fishing access, and the other is a bit further upstream. Still further upstream, and just below the bridge on Fire House Rd there's a blind drop of 3 or 4 feet that should be scouted.

Unless all the water is coming from the headwaters, 1000 cfs at Allaben will probably mean 2500 cfs or more on the Cold Brook guage. That will make the rest of the run fast and pushy, but for the most part it doesn't get more difficult.