First weekend in June

It has been a weekend on the river again. The snow in the mountains is very slow in melting this year. Usually the river is higher than this on this date. Statistically, the highest flow rates on the Red Deer River are between June 7 to June 11. That is very hard to imagine happening at this time this year at the rate the river is changing now. Still, people are having a good time out on their rafting trip.

Here are some photos comparing the last two weekends. You can see a small change. What is interesting is that as the river flow rate dropped you can see how the standing wave train after the ledge changes shape. The wave has increased in height but shortened up compared to the longer, lower wave at the higher volume. So, sometimes the rapids are rougher as the water volumes are lower like at the beginning and later in the season.

The plants are greening up as the season progresses but the river is not acting like we hope. The forecast for the week is mild with rain. Hopefully that brings it up. Maybe some more interesting photos then! As well, the guides are chomping at the bit for some big water – they know what is coming!