2014 Rafting Season looking promising

Every year on Robbie Burns day we take a look at the snow data to try and get an idea of the upcoming summers rafting conditions.

The head waters of the Red Deer River are near Skokie Lodge, 5kms north of the Lake Louise ski resort. Here there is a station for measuring snow data which is a main indicator of water volumes and levels for the Red Deer River. Another station is located on Limestone Mountain which is a minor supply for our river as well. As of today the snow pack at Skokie Lodge is a little below the average level while Limestone mountain has about twice the average amount of snow.

Since we get most of the significant snow later in the season, when the snow is dense, these indicators are good for today’s date. We can expect plenty more snow now up until the river flows in the mountains. We would have to guess that we are in for an average river flow for the coming rafting season.

Then again, last year’s data was average as well at this time. What happened was the heavy rain and warm night time temperatures causing a sudden snow melt in the mountains. These conditions are just like the perfect storm and don’t happen every year.

As a result of last year’s flood the Red Deer River has been dramatically changed for the section of the river that we are rafting on. Some rapids have changed or even gone but also some new ones have been created. Basically – it is a brand new river! Most likely you have never rafted on this new river!

The combinations of the good water levels that the Red Deer enjoys as well as the new rapids only points towards another great season of fun and excitement for your rafting trips this year.

Finally, this is the time of year that we are looking for guides for the coming season. If you are rafting guide material send in your resume with experience and qualifications noted.