PRESS RELEASE -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2016 Rafting Season Kicks Off
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Mild Weather in April Means More Activity on the Arkansas River
Canon City, Colo.
(April 21, 2016) - On March 12, Raft Masters, a member of the Arkansas River Outfitters Association (AROA), kicked off the 2016 rafting season by launching one of the first trips down the river. Rafts can be seen on the river most days since then, except for some of the unusually cold days. "There was a good spring break crowd. With mild spring weather we plan on a good April and an outstanding spring," said Will Colon, co-owner of Raft Master and AROA member.
"Right now I'm anticipating a fairly "normal" season, with about average snowpack, which translates to good flows through July and then the typical low water rafting at the end of August until we stop rafting around mid-October," said Dennis Wied, co-owner of Raft Master and AROA member. "
This could change if this cycle of late snows continues, which results in higher early summer flows. Spring snow tends to melt faster and sooner than winter snows."
There are a number of commercial outfitters that are running trips this spring. Last year just over 800 people rafted the Arkansas industry wide during the spring season.
Wilderness Aware is kicking off their 2016 season with a large group of 7th grade students on April 28th. The group rafts Browns Canyon every year and has experienced all flow and weather conditions imaginable. "No matter the conditions the accompanying teachers report the trip to be the highlight of the 7th grade year. Low flows present exciting and challenging teamwork for precision paddling and high flows test young students calm in the chaos of crazy wave trains. Beautiful sunshine filled spring days with snow covered peaks as a backdrop bring a nice change from the long winter," said Joe Greiner, Owner of Wilderness Aware Rafting and AROA member.
Royal Gorge Rafting & Zip Line Tours is also running rafting trips through the Royal Gorge Section paired with both their Classic & Extreme Zip Line Tours. "The River has been crystal clear and the wildlife has been abundant during the spring thaw, while snow is still flying in the high country. A beautiful and unique experience can be found on the Arkansas River in the spring," said James Whiteside, Royal Gorge Rafting & Zip Line Tours and AROA member.
River Runners had its first trip on April 9 through the Royal Gorge. "The snowpack is above average in the upper catchment basins for the Arkansas River (Brumley is 91% and Fremont is 117%), which means we should have a good runoff season for whitewater rafting. The Arkansas River Basin as a whole is 98% , but the areas bringing down the average don't impact the sections of the river popular for whitewater rafting. Additionally there are still several weeks to catch up on snowpack," said Travis Hochard, General Manager, River Runners. You can find more information at
http://wcc.sc.egov.usda.gov/reports/UpdateReport.html?report=Arkansas+River+Basin
April weather provides great fishing conditions; the water flows are runnable, plenty of sunshine and the fish are biting on the Arkansas River. Arkansas River Tours has fishing trips scheduled for the month of April. "With the Gold Medal status the Arkansas River is one of the best rivers to fish in the West. 102 miles of river is a lot of water to cover allowing a fisherman to find solitude,"said Bob Hamel, owner of Arkansas River Tours, fishing outfitter and an AROA member. "Unless there is major snowfall and early melt, the flows will be pretty low throughout April and into May. The fish are supposedly happy about this."
FACTS AND STATS:
- Colorado's Arkansas River is one of the most popular rivers for rafting in the United States. Its 152 miles of continuous rafting offers diverse Colorado experiences ranging from family class to adventure class rafting at the base of the Rocky Mountains.
- The Arkansas River is the 6th longest river in the United States, and 45th longest in the world.
- In January 2014 the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission announced the addition of the longest stretch of Gold Medal Trout Waters in Colorado, the Arkansas River.
- Trips available during the spring season (March and April):
- Bighorn Sheep Canyon (1/2 day) - Beginner/Intermediate Rapids II-IV. A 7-mile stretch just downriver of Salida and before the Royal Gorge canyon (Parkdale takeout), this is the beginning of the "Lower Arkansas River" for many boaters. Rafters in this section experience some of the river's best known rapids and plenty of action. It is named after the inhabitants often seen along the canyon walls, bighorn sheep.
- Royal Gorge Canyon (Advanced Rapids II-V) - Considered part of the Lower Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge section begins upriver from Cañon City (Parkdale) and extends through the narrow and scenic Royal Gorge, ending near Cañon City. Unique for the number of rapids (17 named rapids) and 10 miles of action.
- As the Arkansas River narrows to only 25-feet wide, the spring whitewater rafting trip winds its way through the 1,100-foot cliffs of the Royal Gorge.
Interviews:
To schedule an interview or experience first-hand an exciting Royal Gorge spring trip, please contact:
Monica Ramey
Bachman pr: 719-339-4109 mobile
Bachman pr: 488-5908 main
Photo Credit:
Echo Canyon River Expeditions - April 9, 2016 Royal Gorge Trip
About Arkansas River Outfitters Association
Arkansas River Outfitters Association (AROA) consists of knowledgeable, experienced and licensed professionals who are dedicated to offering world-class outdoor fun on one of the most popular rivers for rafting in United States, Colorado's Arkansas River. AROA's members
offer a wide range of whitewater experiences for all ages and adrenaline levels, and are truly committed to providing exceptional service for a memorable adventure.
AROA, partnering with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Chaffee County Visitors Bureau are grantees of the 2016
Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) Marketing Matching Grant program.
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