People have asked me if the river is much different when it’s higher. As the water levels change, the number and size of rapids change. All changes in volume are relative to the current volume. When the water volumes are lower, any changes in water levels are significant. When it is high like today, it isn’t a lot different if it makes small changes to it’s volume except for the size of features.
There are many rapids on our Red Deer River with the most significant being Big Rock, Gooseberry (diagonal ledge), S-Bends and the Nationals.
Now, the Big Rock barely has a pillow on it showing that it is there. The wave train that follows it and the turbulence of it is a result of all the pressure as the water pours through the openings that the rock creates. As the two currents converge after going on either side of the rock many irregular shaped waves are created which oscillate in height.
The Diagonal Ledge is one large weir with a couple holes in it with a significant hole in the middle of it dominating the features. It requires a tight line for a safe route between two holes which offers very little forgiveness for a mistake.
The S-bends, where we stop for lunch, has a wave where we could park the bus in it. As the water volume changes it just gets deeper. It can easily flip a raft so we skirt it. We might just touch the edge of it - enough to tempt fate!
The Nationals are 10 foot standing waves. It is one big rollercoaster with the final wave even bigger and more abrupt as the rushing water piles into the slower moving water at the base of the rapid. As the raft hits this last wave the raft slows down abruptly – will you make it over the wave? or through it?
There are several other rapids requiring respect as well, too many to mention. This is the type of water most people miss not rafting in June.
For the ride of your life, get out on the river before this high water is gone to experience the power of water and enjoying a different way of loving mother nature .
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