World Water Day - Mar 22/2014

This year’s focus is on Water and Energy. “Particular attention will be paid to identifying best practices that can make a water- and energy-efficient 'Green Industry' a reality.” I am always concerned about losing wild rivers to become a source of energy; we do have to balance this need with sources of recreation, preserving nature and the basic needs for life.

Follow the link and find out about the uneven distribution of water around the world and the resulting energies around the world. http://www.unwater.org/worldwaterday

The power of water should be considered for all, both for how it is used as the basic substance of life as well as “leading the way to energy security and sustainable water use in a green economy.

Looking in the rafting crystal ball

I see big waves and big smiles! They always go together.

We had a very nice sunny week of weather for the last week in February here in Sundre. The forecast ahead now shows several days of snow. Those bright sunny days always makes me think of all the times I have been rafting on the Red Deer River with high water and the sun streaming down. It was the perfect place to be when I look at some of the high-lights of my life of adventure. The days of sun at the end of February help with the blahs we all get every year. And thinking about rafting always helps with positive thoughts of the summer ahead too.

I’ve been watching the snow pack accumulate in the mountains and it’s looking Ok. We are pretty much at the same level as a year ago for the end of February. That’s looking good because we have several more weeks of dense snow to fall yet at the head waters of the Red Deer River.

If you are looking for an unforgettable day of adventure, plan your day of rafting now. We always book up for June first – people wanting to catch the high water. Bookings are starting to come in so you should be planning now.

Check out Brayden’s amazing surf!

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.