May 18, 2009 7:49 am US/Mountain
Rafting Outfitters Excited As Rivers Start Rushing
Written by Karlyn Tilley
IDAHO SPRINGS, Colo. (CBS4) ―
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Whitewater enthusiasts go on a Clear Creek Rafting Company trip on Sunday.
CBS
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Whitewater enthusiasts go on a Clear Creek Rafting Company trip on Sunday.
CBS
Colorado's current warming trend means many rivers may hit their peak earlier than normal.
Rafting companies say now is the time to take advantage of the rapids.
Guides from Clear Creek Rafting say the water levels have more than doubled in just the past 10 days.
Customers like Jim Pyle say he was passing by and just couldn't resist the temptation to go rafting.
"I said 'Let's just stop and do it. Check it out.' So here we are."
Rafting guide Shahara Hansen says she has mixed feelings about the warm weather.
"Usually it's cooler right now. Usually we're rafting in the snow right now, so it's a blessing and a curse, I guess."
The late spring storms brought a good snowpack to the high country and as it melts it fills up the rivers.
"In the grand scheme of things, more water equals more fun," guide Troy Rutten said.
Guides like Rutten hope for a balance each year. If the water comes too much too fast it can mean bad news.
"Typically what happens if it peaks real early is that our season will maybe come to a close a little sooner than expected," Rutten said.
Peak rafting season is coming soon. So, Rutten says, the bottom line is that "the time to come rafting is now."
Between now and mid-June, water levels are expected to double or even triple from what they are now.
The next few weeks will be the best -- and also the most dangerous -- to be out in the water. Make sure if you take a rafting trip of any sort to follow all safety precautions.
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