Colorado Rafting Companies Face Unprecedented Low Water Season

Standing on the banks of the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs, the sound of gentle lapping of water against the shore is a stark contrast to the roaring rapids that usually define this stretch of river. The water level is low, exposing large swaths of rocky shoreline. This is not the river that rafting companies and locals are used to.

Colorado rafting companies are facing an unprecedented season, with streamflow projections forecasted to be less than half of normal for most rivers in the state. The Natural Resources Conservation Service's April 1 Colorado Water Supply Outlook Report paints a dire picture, with some rivers expected to have less than a quarter of their normal flow. This will undoubtedly impact the rafting industry, which relies on sufficient water levels to provide the exhilarating experiences that customers pay for.

Chelsea Worley, owner of Colorado River Guides, has been in the business long enough to know that this season will be unlike any other. She's been rafting her entire life and has seen her fair share of low-water seasons, but this one takes the cake. The snowpack conditions this season are even lower than they were going into the 2002 season, which was previously the lowest water season she had ever experienced. Worley's company, based in Steamboat Springs, will have to adapt to these new conditions.

Make no mistake, the low water levels won't stop rafting companies from operating, but they will have to get creative. Kevin Foley, owner of Performance Tours, notes that while the high-water experiences will be scarce, there will still be opportunities for scenic floats and sporty, soaking fun with options like inflatable kayaks. Foley's been in the business for over 40 years and has seen his fair share of low-flow years. He began his career as a raft guide in 1981, the summer after what, until this year, held the record for the worst winter snowpack in Colorado history.

The short version is that rafting companies will have to manage customer expectations. Foley says that as long as the guest knows what they're expecting going in, they can still have a wonderful experience. This means being upfront about the conditions and offering alternative options that still provide a fun experience.

KODI Rafting owner Dave McGrath says that pre-season bookings are coming in at a normal rate, but most customers don't know about the record-low snowpack. McGrath is upfront with customers about the "less desirable flows" but tells them that there's still plenty of fun options. Both KODI Rafting and Performance Tours plan to primarily raft on the Colorado and Arkansas rivers, which are dam-controlled and should offer raftable flows.

The Arkansas River, in particular, offers 150 miles of rafting and a cooperative management program that aims to augment flows for recreation. However, the flow program does not expect to hit its typical summer targeted water levels this season. The impact of this will be significant, and the community will be watching closely to see how it affects the rafting experience.

Read that again: the Arkansas River flow program does not expect to hit its typical summer targeted water levels. The consequences of this will be far-reaching, affecting the overall experience for rafters.

Folks around here know that the rafting industry is a significant contributor to the local economy. A low-water season could have a ripple effect on businesses that rely on rafting tourism. The situation is complex, with many factors at play, and the community will be watching closely to see how the industry adapts.

In Delta County, where the Gunnison River flows, the low water levels could affect more than just the rafting industry. The county spends around $1.5 million on water-related projects and maintenance each year. A low-water season could put a strain on these resources.

As the season progresses, it will be essential to monitor the water levels and the impact on the local economy. The community will be affected by the low water levels, and their response will be crucial in determining the outcome.

The Gunnison River, which flows through the town of Gunnison, is a popular spot for rafting and kayaking. However, with the low water levels, it's unclear how this will impact the town's economy. The town's chamber of commerce will likely be keeping a close eye on the situation, as the rafting industry is a significant contributor to the local economy.

In the meantime, operators like Worley are preparing for the season ahead, adjusting their expectations and coming up with alternative plans to ensure that customers still have a fun and safe experience. As Worley said, "that's part of the fun" - adapting to the unpredictable nature of the river.

The Colorado River, which flows through Glenwood Springs, is another popular spot for rafting. However, with the low water levels, it's unclear how this will impact the town's economy. The town's chamber of commerce will likely be keeping a close eye on the situation, as the rafting industry is a significant contributor to the local economy.

As the season gets underway, the rafting industry's ability to adapt will be put to the test. Will they be able to provide the same level of service, or will they have to scale back their operations? The community will be watching closely to see how this plays out.

The community will be watching closely to see how the situation develops. The rafting industry is a significant part of the local economy, and a low-water season could have far-reaching consequences. As the situation unfolds, it will be essential to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest news and developments.

For now, the focus is on preparing for the season ahead. With low water levels, the industry must find ways to still provide a fun and safe experience. The community waits to see how this will all play out, and the outcome is far from clear.

The water levels are low, and the industry is preparing for a challenging season. The community will be watching closely to see how this plays out.