El Nino brings epic Whitewater rafting season for the Tahoe area

Local rafting companies prepare for the snowpack to melt

The summer season is approaching, and for out-of-towners and locals, summer months bring exciting adventures within the Reno area.

The California, Nevada Rivers near the Tahoe area face a thriving season from this year’s snowpack melt from the Sierra Nevada’s. The 2016 whitewater rafting year is looking more promising than ever.

Certainly the drought has greatly impacted the Western Nevada and throughout all of California’s water supply, reservoirs, lakes and rivers. With years of drought and doubt, residents had to cut back on water usage, while the Department of Water Resources managed the reservoirs to maintain what little there was.

The El Nino, both beneficial and detrimental to certain regions, developed warm temperatures in the Pacific West Coast. The El Nino significantly plays a role in the Central Sierra’s storm track.

This year seemed to have proved beneficial for the Sierra’s and most of California. The Department of Water Resources comments that the water content of the Sierra Nevada snowpack is up to 115 percent, beating records dating back to 2011. Although the said snowpack water level should be 150 percent to officially declare “drought free”.

According to an article from Reno-Gazette Journal from 2014, the season was seized nearly a month early due to Truckee’s water levels falling short. Larry Boerner, owner of the paddlewheeler Tahoe Gal, comments on the low water levels of Truckee River.

“The east shore has a lot of little rocks, and there’s a lot of obstacles starting to show now, so you’ve got to be much more careful.”

With a disappointing season in 2014 and no season in 2015, this year seems to take a turn for the better. Rafting company’s websites are suggesting to book early due to a potentially busy and popular season.

Rafting companies such as Tributary Whitewater Tours, IRIE Rafting Company Inc., and Truckee River Rafting prep for a promising year.

The local economy is booming from the effects of the El Nino. Rafting guides companies seem to be reaping the benefits. Each company seems to be showing an exciting increase in the number of bookings.

With a flourishing and successful ski season, surely the whitewater season will follow after.

According to the Tributary Whitewater Tours website, “[they’re] confident that this year’s California whitewater rafting is going to be one of the best ever!”

Lorraine Hall, business manager of Tributary Whitewater Tours, said, “It’s going to be a great season.” She further states that although this season is not as impressive as 2011, booking numbers are up since 2013.

Most of the reservoirs like Stampede and Donald Lake will continue to supply water for the dam-controlled rivers. The flow and height of Truckee River, in Tahoe City, receives its source from Lake Tahoe’s dams.

This year will be back to normal schedule, opening between May and ending in September. The Truckee River, American River, and East Fork Carson River are a few of the many rivers in the area.

In an interview with Erik Anderson, co-owner/operator and Vice President of IRIE Rafting Company Inc. — A California Benefit Corporation, unveils that this year’s spring rafting conditions seem to be fairly decent. In excitement, Erik said, “We’re stoked!”

With nearly 12 seasons of experience working as a commercial raft guide, Anderson started in New Mexico guiding on the Rio Grande, and branching out all over the country. After working for IRIE for 10 years, Erik now owns a portion of the company.

Erik mentions that conditions appear to be fairly decent this spring and said, “We will have water and that rafting is back after being very sparse for a few years.”

Paul Miltner, part owner of Truckee River Rafting, also comments on the false impression of this years drought effecting water levels.

“Compared to last year, we will have a much fuller season. All 11 sections (of river) are full and running. It’s going to be a lot of fun!”

Certainly there are no misconceptions as far as water being an issue for the surrounding rivers.

With summer just around the corner, now is the time to look into booking an appointment with friends or family. For further information and details, check out the river rafting guided tours websites to book an appointment today.

Whitewater rafting is back on this year’s to-do list for summer activities!