Colorado Boating beta?

[Shep]

I'm hoping to go to Colorado mid-May for a week-long class, and it occurred to me that time of year is probably prime snow-melt season. I could goo out a few days early, and leave a few days late. I'll be in Crested Butte. Any recommendations for good III/IV paddling in that area?

Thanks,
Shep

[Fish]

Mid May in CB may be a bit early for big snowmelt. Depends on the local weather though. It's definitely really cold up there at CB in May - bring your drysuit and a lot of layers! In the class 3-4 range near CB, the Upper East R. at lower levels would fit that bill as would the upper parts of the Slate R. at low water. Get some beta from the locals on wood and such before you go, and both have rapids near the end of the runs that you don't want to paddle (big time class 5). The Taylor is not too far from there too and a great 3+ run, but getting over the pass in May is really iffy I bet. Also, they may not release it. You can always get to Aspen where the Roaring Fork is too, but I'm not sure it'll be melting that much by mid May either. The runs that are more likely to be going good then are in south CO. The Ark R at Royal Gorge almost always has water then and the weather's warmer at that altitude. I'd recommend that if you can make it over there. Also Clear Cr. near Denver may be going if you're going through that area.

Have a good one,
Fish

[gannon_w]

June and early July is your prime snow melt month/s. Depending on the area I will still be chilly in may. Go to eddyflower.com and select...here it is
http://eddyflower.com/CountryDetail.aspx?StateId=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Sorted by city so go find CB.

[Shep]

Good to know. The class ends on May 20th, so I could save the boating till after. I am also planning on trying to connect with locals when it gets closer. The NWS climate prediction map suggests that Colorado will have both above average temps and below average precip between now and the end of May, so maybe I'll get lucky with boating weather...

Thanks,
Shep

[gannon_w]

Yes go last min and plan to stay late! Don't worry about precip and focus on temps. Hope for warm ones the week prior to get the snow melting at a good rate...but stay after the class if you can to increase your chances of some good days. In colorado they usually schedule the classes near the beginning of decent flows as nobody wants to teach or be in a class during good flows!

[Shep]

It's a wilderness medicine class... They MIGHT be scheduling for good paddling weather, but I doubt it.

[riverchild]

Shep, my name is josh. I grew up in fayetteville and am currently living in cb and will be during the time you will be up here. Drop me a line if you want to fire up the sh#t! (479)530-6475.

[Shep]

Hell yeah. guess you can't get any better beta than that!

Josh, are you also up for some backcountry skiing/riding? If so, I'll bring my splitboard.

Thanks,
Paul

[riverchild]

You may be able to find some folks around to hit up the backcountry but i dont have a split board and by that time of the year theres only one place my heads at.

[ARzach]

and by that time of the year theres only one place my heads at.

Hairy chicks, PBR, and living in your car?

[justin.payne]

Dont be hatin Zach.

[ARzach]

Dont be hatin Zach.

You're right, he won't be thinking of PBR or living in his car. Still going with hairy chicks though...