ColoradoComments08

• Basin: Colorado
• Title: Comments 8
• Date: 10/9/2003
• SWSI - Doc Type: Comments

UPCO REpORT ON KAY A KING FLOWS
DRAFf FOR DISCUSSION
4/18/02
TEXT ADDED 3/3/03

Recreational and commercial kayaking occurs in several stream segments in the UPCO study
area~ Commercial kayaking takes the form of lessons that are given predominately on the
Colorado River below Gore Canyoll4 Kayakers are able to access and float more segments at
different water levels than rafts4 Kayakers use wide ranges of flows. The choice to kayak on a
particular segment often revolves around proximity to the put in, how the experience (based on
flow levels) compares with other nearby stream segments of similar difficulty, and the capability
of the boater.

Below is a listing of the stream segments in the UPCO study area most used for kayaking. Flow
needs for these segments are listed as is the location (gage) used by kayakers to determine flows
and the source of information.

Blue River

Season:

June through July 4th (in wet years)

Put In:
Take Out:
Segment:

Various spots near the USFS Rock Creek Campground
Columbine Landing
Approximately 8 miles through Rock! Boulder Creek Canyon

Low Water: Approx. 300 C.f4S as measured from the USGS gage below Dillon Dam
High Water: Approx. 1200 c~f.s. As measured from the USGS gage below Dillon Dam

Optimum.~

600-1100 c~f.s. (As measured from the USGS gage below Dillon Dam)

Information: Flow information typically accessed at http://www.water~state.co.us (Blue
River below Dillon)
Water Talk, Division 5, Station 1 [phone]

Comments: This is an intermediate to advanced section of the river4 At flows below
the low water level too many obstacles exist for a good experience. At
high flows many of the hydraulics wash out Kayakers would prefer flows
at the lower end of those listed as optimum for longer periods of time,
rather than high peak flows for a short period.

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