Idaho Raft Rentals, Middle Fork and Main Salmon Raft Rentals » Idaho Whitewater

April 2010 Snowpack for the Salmon River

david — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:10:40 +0000

We have been getting quite a bit of moisture in April, cross your fingers for more snow and cold temps to keep what we have in the hills. Here is a quote from the April Water Supply Outlook Report

March brought 78% of normal precipitation, but the cumulative effect of a dry winter leaves the water
year-to-date precipitation at 69% of average. Overall, the Salmon basin snowpack is 64% of average.
The Lemhi and Little Salmon basins have the highest snow percentages at 70% of normal, while the
South Fork and Middle Fork Salmon basins have the lowest at 60% of average. The main Salmon
River and its tributaries are only forecast for about 50% of average streamflow. Other years with a
similar snowpack to this year are 1987, 1988, 1990, 1992 and 1994. In these years, the Salmon River
at White Bird peaked between 25,000–35,000 cfs between May 1 and June 1. Water users and river
runners should expect similar streamflow patterns this year, unless a wet spring occurs like in May
2005 and June 2009. Peak flows on the Middle Fork will be low, possibly in the 4.0 foot range,
without the influence of rain. The river will return to the 2.0 foot gage height before July 1. Plan your
trips according to your boating skills. In other low snow years, rain generated peaks on the Middle
Fork have exceeded snow generated peak flows, so watch the spring weather to be safe. The Salmon
River will see a very long floating season with a short high water season.
http://www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/watersupply/ (Full Report)

Salmon Basin Water for Febuary

david — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:45:38 +0000

With considerable snow fall in the first half of February the Salmon River drainage snow pack is 120% of average. The last week has been clear and sunny with more snow forcasted for the 23rd of February and into the next week. If cold temps and more precip continue in the coming months it could be a great water year. Hopefully letting mother nature use a big broom to clean up the drainage a bit.

2008 Middle Fork Snowpack Report

david — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:02:32 +0000

As of January 23rd, 2008 the Middle Fork Sno-tel site is reading 105% snow water equivalent. The news is good considering last years dismal showing. Weather has been extremely cold with temps in the single digits during the day with more precipitation forecasted for the weekend.

Middle Fork Boat Rentals

david — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:31:10 +0000

Our company has over 15 years of guiding experience on the Middle Fork. We take pride in the equipment we rent. We prefer to rent 14 ft. Avon Adventurers with NRS frames. The NRS frames are great in that they are easily adjustable and can break down easily for fly-in trips. We have aluminum boxes and the aluminum “Jonny Partner” toilet system.