Getting ready for the river

The rafting season is just around the corner. With an above average snow pack at the headwaters of the Red Deer River this should be an exciting year of playing on the river.

The spring is a little late in arriving, but that is fine as it allow more snows to accumulate in the mountains. Look at it as snow being put in the bank being saved for later! It collects a different kind of interest – anticipation of some wild and exciting paddling.

The guides are excited and anxious to get on the river for some practice runs and and review their river safety skills.. They are polishing their paddles and making sure their wetsuits still fit. The wetsuits seem to shrink a little bit more with each winter!  Here at Otter Rafting Adventures we have to get out and do some pre-season paddling as well as look for new hazards or any potential threats. It’s a good excuse to get out on the river as often as possible.

2013 Winter Snowfall

In #Sundre the snow is melting but in the mountains there is at least 6 more weeks of snow to come.

This winter we have had a good snowfall in the mountains. As of today we have accumulated the average amount of snow, at the source of the Red Deer River, the same that would fall from a full winter. And we still have a minimum of 6 weeks of potential snowfall that can accumulate. Things are looking good! On the chart the blue line is rising.

The guides can’t wait to get out on the river, paddling and brushing up on their safety skills. Bet they have learned plenty of new jokes to subject a trapped audience to.

Hopefully we get lot's more snow (in the mountains)!

Merry Christmas

It’s cold and snowy in #Sundre which feels right for Christmas. Otter Rafting’s present to you is a good river forecast for the 2013 rafting season.

It’s Christmas Eve and I want to wish all a Merry Christmas and for a very Happy New Year with plenty of high water.

Here is a link to the snow pack conditions at Skoki Lodge (the major head waters of the Red Deer River). It’s looking pretty good for early in the winter, even above last years level on this date. We have good things to look forward to in 2013 and a great rafting season seems to be one of them.

Meanwhile, all this snow means a good ski season too. So get out and enjoy the great outdoors and I’ll keep you posted for the river forecast. Merry Christmas everyone!!