Unpredictable drainage could impact Potlatch trip
In anticipation of the University of Idaho Outdoor Program’s return to Potlatch River, the low levels of snow could affect the river raft trip.
University of Idaho Outdoor Program | Courtesy
Rafters brave the rapids during the University of Idaho Outdoor Program’s 2012 Potlatch River raft trip. The trip is scheduled again for April 4 although low levels of snow might force the trip to a new location. The trip is open to all students and costs $50.
Outdoor Program Director Trevor Fulton said the low level of snow that feeds the pack of the drainage is important. If the snowpack is insufficient, the route will change before the trip — which has a $50 fee for transportation and equipment — takes place April 4.
“We really don’t have any low-level line of snowpack,” Fulton said. “All of it that we did have has already ran off, so the river probably peaked at this particular drainage. We try to hit it at the peak and most likely miss it.”
With the lack of precipitation this year, Fulton said it has been difficult for the outdoor team to recognize the weather pattern and predict how it would affect the river raft trip.
“Sometimes we hit it, sometimes we miss it,” Fulton said. “Especially drought years like this, (it) is harder for boaters in the area — we’re gonna see lower water rivers, which actually can be fine. That can mean a little bit of safer boating, it can mean a longer boating season, and you just have to adjust for it.”
When it comes to preparation, Fulton said he monitors the river conditions. He can only make the decision to relocate the trip once the event approaches and decide whether to keep it at Potlatch or not.
Fulton said he hopes for rain or snow during the spring to help flow the river. If it occurs, the route will remain intact because of the water flow is up to Fulton’s standards.
Fulton said the Potlatch River was chosen based on the easy access for students since the location is less than an hour away from Moscow.
Last year, the program didn’t offer the river raft trip for students despite having a successful road trip three years ago. Fulton said the students were able to raft at the peak of the flood stage under safe conditions that year. They did this by riding on 10-12 foot rafts, which are relatively small.
Although the event is a non-competition event, students can still sign up to learn how to river raft before next Saturday’s trip. It’s considered a course and signups close on the first day or once the class is full. Fulton said prior experience isn’t required in hopes to make it accessible for all students to participate.
“We provide instructions for them to be as comfortable as we can get them,” Fulton said. “Especially in the day trip, we try to make it as easy on participants as possible and give them the skills needed to be proficient and have fun and hopefully learn something.”
He said rafting takes time for people to be properly skilled and requires years of training to become a standout rafter. Those who learn quickly tend to spend time on the river to practice and learn how each condition affects the drainage. The program provides experienced rafters to help out beginners as they go through the learning process.
Fulton has been rafting for 20 years and said he can still improve to become a better boater.
“In all outdoor sports, you are never as proficient as you could be,” he said.
Luis Torres can be reached at [email protected]