Though I venture into the Rockies only every few years I found your article fascinating and filled with good advice on many levels.
In 2008, the rafting season on the Arkansas River in Colorado was dramatically affected by heavy winter snows and then late spring snowfall and a very late melt. The peak (highest) river rafting conditions usually found in May/mid June didn't occur until early July and one section never really dropped enough for safe commercial rafting until August. There were several rafting deaths that summer even in the 'tame' sections including falls from the banks in that season. Many rafting companies allowed only their most experienced guides to run trips until August. Second and first year guides weren't even allowed to staff trips until late July. We heard quite a bit about the unusual conditions that year while on our 5 river days that summer.
If you read the American Whitewater statistics for deaths on rivers in the Rockies, the vast majority occur on non-commercial floats and boats often without proper equipment, training and precautions. There are deaths every year but seasons like 2008 which collides with the commercial season are particularly deadly.
Sorry to get so off-track here from your article's focus but I wanted to add what I learned from my reading and experience that year.
You bring up excellent points. I'm like you. I rarely do any backpacking until August. It's been in the 60's down here in the Salt Lake Valley. I went up on the east side of the Wasatch, 30 mins from my house, 3,000 ft higher. It looked and FELT like January! Brrrrr!
I am a big fan of early-season travel. In fact, I despise late-season travel, because of the lack of snow! Seems that travel over snow is so much easier -- except creek crossings. But, if you're lucky, the creek will be snowed over! I try not to plan trips in that intermediate time when the snow pack is patchy - you can't walk on the snow because you'll just post-hole, but you can't ski either because the snow is so patchy. Nothing like skiing 20 feet, removing your skis, walking 20 feet through mud, putting your skis back on.....
Two additional potential benefits from early season travel are the availability of snow to keep your beer cold and the possibility of camping in a scenic spot that would be without water except for snow that is melting or can be melted. Two out of six of my most voted for images (not that many votes) were taken from camping spots where I would not have been without snow for water.
silversummit - Apr 10, 2010 7:50 pm - Voted 10/10
Interesting read!Though I venture into the Rockies only every few years I found your article fascinating and filled with good advice on many levels.
In 2008, the rafting season on the Arkansas River in Colorado was dramatically affected by heavy winter snows and then late spring snowfall and a very late melt. The peak (highest) river rafting conditions usually found in May/mid June didn't occur until early July and one section never really dropped enough for safe commercial rafting until August. There were several rafting deaths that summer even in the 'tame' sections including falls from the banks in that season. Many rafting companies allowed only their most experienced guides to run trips until August. Second and first year guides weren't even allowed to staff trips until late July. We heard quite a bit about the unusual conditions that year while on our 5 river days that summer.
If you read the American Whitewater statistics for deaths on rivers in the Rockies, the vast majority occur on non-commercial floats and boats often without proper equipment, training and precautions. There are deaths every year but seasons like 2008 which collides with the commercial season are particularly deadly.
Sorry to get so off-track here from your article's focus but I wanted to add what I learned from my reading and experience that year.
Thanks for such a well-written contribution!
Bill Reed - Apr 10, 2010 8:18 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Interesting read!Thanks for your comments, silversummit! Your perspective is a little different but it's definitely part of the flow.
Cheers!
FlatheadNative - Apr 11, 2010 10:49 am - Voted 10/10
Good articleWhat you write is certainly applicable to Montana as well.
It is well written and has some good thoughts.
Bill Reed - Apr 11, 2010 11:04 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Good articleThanks for your comments and suggestion, FhN. I'll try to insert a little more separation in there.
imontop - Apr 11, 2010 10:05 pm - Voted 10/10
Great article Bill!You bring up excellent points. I'm like you. I rarely do any backpacking until August. It's been in the 60's down here in the Salt Lake Valley. I went up on the east side of the Wasatch, 30 mins from my house, 3,000 ft higher. It looked and FELT like January! Brrrrr!
Bill Reed - Apr 12, 2010 8:43 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Great article Bill!Thanks, Eric. Yeah, it's hard to imagine how it feels until you feel it!
lcarreau - Apr 14, 2010 11:00 pm - Voted 10/10
I grew up in northern UT,but I spent the last 18 years roaming around Arizona.
You have to view "topography" as the determining factor as far as
life zones and moisture content go. Excellent page, Mister Reed !!
Bill Reed - Apr 15, 2010 2:13 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: I grew up in northern UT,Thanks Larry. You're So Right! There's a different set of factors to consider for planning excursions in the South West.
Sierra Ledge Rat - Apr 15, 2010 12:32 am - Voted 9/10
Snow LoverI am a big fan of early-season travel. In fact, I despise late-season travel, because of the lack of snow! Seems that travel over snow is so much easier -- except creek crossings. But, if you're lucky, the creek will be snowed over! I try not to plan trips in that intermediate time when the snow pack is patchy - you can't walk on the snow because you'll just post-hole, but you can't ski either because the snow is so patchy. Nothing like skiing 20 feet, removing your skis, walking 20 feet through mud, putting your skis back on.....
Bill Reed - Apr 15, 2010 2:16 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Snow LoverMore power to you, SLR! There certainly are advantages if you're equipped for it. Skis and mud does sound like a bad combination, though.
oldandslow - Apr 15, 2010 2:29 pm - Voted 10/10
Additional BenefitsTwo additional potential benefits from early season travel are the availability of snow to keep your beer cold and the possibility of camping in a scenic spot that would be without water except for snow that is melting or can be melted. Two out of six of my most voted for images (not that many votes) were taken from camping spots where I would not have been without snow for water.
lcarreau - Apr 15, 2010 2:36 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: Additional BenefitsExcellent point, 'O and S!'
Early season has advantages, besides solitude from the crowds !!!
(That's probably why there's less activity on SP! Everybody's
outside doing their thing !!!)
Bill Reed - Apr 15, 2010 2:45 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Additional BenefitsTwo very important points which I failed to mention! Thanks, o&s.