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.

Rafting Season is Here

The White water rafting season is underway here at Otter Rafting Adventures and with the amount of snow pack in the mountains we should have a great summer. The guides have been out scouting the river and are ready to take our many guests down the river on a wild and exciting trip.

Now is the time of the year to catch the big water. It is just starting to flow up here in the foothills. Add to the melt all the rainfall and the Red Deer River is cookin! Don’t let the rain bother you. We guarantee that you are going to get wet whether it be from the river ( most likely) or the rain. You can only get so wet and you are dressed for it. Besides, what else can you do outside in the rain??

When one of the few weekends comes around and it’s raining, rafting is a way to make the most of it. Great fun and outdoors – that can’t be beat!

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.