River Water
Levels
It's important to know the water level of the river
you're paddling before you float your kayak. Water levels have a
profound effect on the dynamics of a river, and Class II rapids
can suddenly become dangerous Class IV rapids in high water. On
the other hand, challenging Class IV rapids that you'd normally
never attempt can become more reasonable Class III rapids when
water levels drop.
Several factors can affect water levels, principal among them
spring runoff and excess water from heavy storms. If you paddle in
the spring or early summer, you can expect high water, so be
prepared. And in mid to late summer, expect the water levels
to be down (except, of course, during or after a large storm, when
levels can reach flood stage). And never attempt even
normally-tame stretches of a river when the water is at flood
stage--the currents are just too strong, and every rock and
obstruction is a potential hazard.
Just as with rapids, and international rating systems has been
devised to classify various water levels. Just be advised that the
rating of a particular river can change from season.
The classifications are as follows:
· L, or Low. This
designates below-normal water levels for a river. This low water
can be difficult to paddle, and expect more exposed sandbars and
dry banks.
· M, or Medium. This is
considered normal river flow. There should be plenty of water
depth for passage on most if not all of the river in question.
· MH, or Medium High. This
designates higher than normal water levels. Expect faster water
flows. This higher than normal water is an advantage when paddling
through rock gardens and other difficult passages.
· H, or High. This is high water
at a level well above normal stage for this river. Make sure your
paddling skills and equipment are in order if you plan on running
high water.
· HH, or High-High. This is very
high water that's best left to experts. Expect a lot of debris in
the water, and complex hydraulics that can flip your kayak in an
instant.
· F, or Flood. Exceptionally high
water, or flood stage. Don't even think about floating your boat
in a river at this stage, unless you want to end up on the wrong
end of an expensive and dangerous rescue mission.
If you can, talk to someone who's paddled the river that day about
the conditions. And always check the current weather reports for
forecasts of heavy storms in your area.
Good Camping Gear -- Don't Leave Home Without It
If you're planning an overnight or multi-day excursion, you're gonna need some good camping equipment. Being in the backcountry with lousy gear or the wrong gear can be a miserable experience, trust me on this. Always buy the best equipment you can afford, and consider quality, weight, and overall design before choosing on a product.
Retail sporting goods stores are great, but most only carry a limited selection of camping supplies, and expect to pay the full retail price. Online merchants, on the other hand, offer a wide selection of name-brand camping gear and supplies, and at discounted prices. And online shopping offers a convenient, comfortable alternative to driving all over town looking for that hard to find item.
