Articles

The new Sept/Oct American Whitewater Journal should be landing in your mailbox soon and you may notice it looks, feels, and maybe even smells a little different. You may also notice a couple of new logos inside this issue’s first few pages. The new look and feel, and these logos, represent our shift to using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper and to producing the Journal in a Pure Power certified facility that uses renewable energy sources. The team that

American Whitewater Board of Directors member, Chris Tulley, of Folsom, CA, passed away on Friday, October 4th while paddling the South Fork of the Feather River, near La Porte, California. The entire American Whitewater family is deeply saddened by his passing and eternally grateful for his dedication to our organization and river stewardship. Chris was a  longtime contributor to American Whitewater in numerous ways, including in his service as a Board member, as a volunteer working closely with our California

We have some exciting fall releases and boating information to share! Fall is the driest time of year in California and has the fewest boating opportunities, but American Whitewater has worked to secure releases to help keep you on the water. Plus, our annual Feather River Festival is also coming up with great boating and camaraderie and we could use some more volunteers to help make it a success! NF Feather – Poe + Bardees Bar (Class V, Class III/IV)

Calling All River Lovers! We want to hear from YOU! Whether you’re a member of American Whitewater or not, your voice matters. Take our quick survey and help shape the future of American Whitewater. Why Take the Survey?WIN an Immersion Research Drysuit of choice!Second & third place winners score some sweet American Whitewater gear and apparel.Help us serve you and our community better! Your input counts! This survey isn’t just for members. If you’re passionate about whitewater rivers, we want

American Whitewater has been advocating for healthy rivers and flows for recreation as an integral pillar of Colorado’s Water Plan since it was directed by an Executive Order in 2013 by then Governor Hickenlooper. Our flow study approach was later included in the plan’s nonconsumptive needs toolbox and, as recently as last year, our collaboration with river based businesses and conservation organizations made significant changes to the updated water plan. We’ve long identified a need to fully grasp the quantification

This Spring, American Whitewater released an interactive web tool that analyzes how flows in the lower Gunnison River meet environmental and recreational flow needs. The goal of the tool is to create a better understanding of the relationship between recreational and environmental flow needs in the Gunnison River and to inform reservoir releases when there is flexibility in the system.    The lower Gunnison River between the Aspinall Unit (Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal Dams) and Grand Junction is

Your voice is an essential contribution to our work, thank you for helping shape the path ahead. By completing this survey you have been entered into a prize drawing – winners will be drawn and announced this fall. Join or renew your membership!If you would like to become a member, or renew your membership, you can sign up at our online membership form.  Give an additional gift to the rivers you love!If you are already a member, please consider making

American Whitewater, our affiliate clubs, and our members, have been working to protect the Dolores River and its surrounding landscape for over 50 years. The most appropriate tool for the job has been hotly debated – the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, National Conservation Areas, Wilderness, and National Monuments have all been on the table. Despite the disagreement on the mechanism, communities, elected officials, recreationists, hunters and anglers, and businesses all agree that the Dolores River and its surrounding landscape

American Whitewater is hosting the festival at Pumphouse Recreation Area in partnership with Whitewater Racing LLC who will be bringing you the beloved race through Gore Canyon. We are grateful for them to host the big race. Please check their website for more race details. American Whitewater will be supporting the festivities and be there for you to join or renew your membership and learn more about our work in the region. Join us starting on Friday August 23rd and

Flows in the Dolores River below McPhee Dam depend on how its dam and irrigation infrastructure are operated. Since the construction of the dam, boatable flows are only available in years when the reservoir is overflowing. Native fish and a healthy and diverse riparian corridor are dependent on these wildly variable dam releases. Two agreements that direct the operations and water management for McPhee Dam are up for renewal in 2025. Flows have been less consistent over the past 24