On Friday, the Animas River was running at 1,700 cfs, which is 25% higher than average for this time of year, said Frank Kugel, director of the Southwestern Water Conservation District. Water is not being pulled from the Animas River to Lake Nighthorse this year, said Russ Means, general manager of the reservoir, as crews work on the intake structure across from Santa Rita Park. The city of Durango gets most of its water from the Florida River and supplements supply from the Animas River when demand increases… Jarrod Biggs, assistant utilities director for the city of Durango, said a heavy snowpack year in the winter of 2018-19 provided good storage for the town’s reservoir, which should help water reserves during a below-normal runoff. The forecast center also predicts the Animas River likely will hit a peak flow of 2,300 to 2,500 cubic feet per second, though as much as 3,000 cfs is possible…Īs of Friday, Snotel records show Southwest Colorado’s snowpack is melting at an accelerated rate: Snowpack in the San Juans is 70% of normal historic averages for this time of year. To make matters worse, drought conditions last summer and fall caused the ground to dry up significantly, so soil likely will absorb more snowmelt than normal, at the expense of rivers and streams.Īs a result, the Colorado River Basin Forecast Center predicts the Animas River will receive about 70% of the water it usually does in spring, Nielson said. And this year, elevations above most Snotel sites around 11,000 feet didn’t receive as much snow as usual. Snowpack in the San Juan Mountains this winter hovered near historic averages, according to Snotel sites, which track snow depth.īut Snotel sites tell only part of the story.įor one, there are a limited number of sites in the basin. “Everything is going to be below average.” Animas River Basin SNOTEL snowpack graph via the NRCS. “I think, unfortunately, it’s one of those years that’s kind of a bummer,” said Ashley Nielson, a senior hydrologist with the Colorado River Basin Forecast Center. No calls/no shows will not be issued refunds.Ĭheck back with our blog next week and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook or Twitter and check out our reviews on TripAdvisor!From The Durango Herald (Jonathan Romeo): Any reservation canceled with less than 72 hours notice will not receive a refund. Any reservation cancelled with at least 72 hours notice will receive a 90% refund.
ANIMAS RIVER CFS FULL
Please take note of our cancellation and refund policy: All reservations are required to be paid in full at the time of booking. Camino Del Rio, Suite V in the Office Depot Complex. If you have any questions about our adventure packages or any of our exciting outdoor services, please contact us today at 97 or swing into our main office located at 305 S. In addition to all of the incredible services we offer, Southwest Raft and Jeep has partnered with other outdoor professionals in order to offer you adventure packages to include a raft trip with either a Zipline tour or Jeep rental. Towards the beginning of August (give or take a week or two) the water levels start to drop and then rafting the river in an inflatable kayak (locals call them duckies) is the better way to go, especially if you have an adventurous streak! Looking For an All Day Adventure? Contact Southwest Raft and Jeep Today! Our smaller rafts seat fewer customers and provide you with a faster, more thrilling ride down the Animas River with your guide.
We offer the best rafting trips in Durango that take you through the rapids of Train Bridge, Baby Smelter, Corner Pocket, Clock Tower, and Ponderosa. Your 4-year-old child and 90-year-old grandma will both enjoy the excitement and relaxation that comes with Lower Animas river rafting! If you want to go on a whitewater rafting trip in Durango, Southwest Raft and Jeep can help. Lower Animas River rafting is perfectly enjoyable and safe for families and individuals of nearly all ages. The Lower Animas River features rapids up to Class III.
Southwest Raft and Jeep is here to fill you in on what to know about Lower Animas whitewater river rafting and kayaking. The Animas River is 126 miles long, or 203 km, and is a major contributor to the San Juan River which empties into the Colorado River. Know the origin of the name Animas River? Spanish explorer Juan Maria De Rivera of Sante Fe led an expedition through the area in 1765 and coined the “Rio de Las Animas,” which in English translates to River of Souls.
Did you know that the name of the city Durango originates from the Basque word “Urango,” which translates to “water town”? If there is one thing luring adventure enthusiasts to Durango, it is the opportunity to raft and kayak through the Animas River.