ColoradoComments16

• Basin: Colorado
• Title: Comments 16
• Date: 11/7/2003
• SWSI - Doc Type: Comments

7) AM VS PM USE: Historically there have been more PM trips (64%) than AM trips (36%). Some
of this is attributable to warmer air temperatures in the afternoon that makes up for cold water
telnperatures. Also, the large majority of Slaughterhouse trips tend to take place in the PM. Many
Slaughterhouse
customers are "locals"
who have gotten off
work and take their
trip in the PM (see
Figure 5).

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Figure 5

8) HISTORICAL USE - HIGHS & LOWS: Looking at statistics starting in 1996, "user days" at
Wink Jaffee Park have been as high as 5,200 customers. This l1igh use occurred in 1996 and
spanned a season that lasted for 53 days from May 16th to July 14th (see Figure 1). In contrast,
2000 was a low water season that lasted only 23 days from May 27th to June 17th (see Figure 1),
and only 1,700 customers made the trip. Figure 6 shows: 1) actual use levels going back to 1996,
2) want water levIs occurred - high, avg, low, and 3) what the average use has been.

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Figure 6

SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS & CONCERN-S

1) RAMPS: The existing ramp could use some minor improvements. While the commercial users do
not see the need to add concrete and major improvements, the grading of the area could be
improved. A small ramp upstream might make it easier for "Slaughterhouse" trips to exit the river
without clogging up the ramp for "put ins" for the "Woody Creek" (downstream) section.
However, such a ramp is not required. It is the commercial user's view that large ramps with
significant footprints and environmental impacts are not necessary for existing levels of use. Too
many ramps might allow for too many boats to be launched at the same time, creating a potential
hazard on the river. The Roaring Fork is a swift moving river with many obstacles to avoid. Rafts,
both commercial and private, need to maintain a safe distance between vessels to allow for
maneuvering. The existence of only one ramp naturally spaces rafts out in a reasonable manner.

2) RESTROOM FACILITI.ES: Historically, commercial companies have installed portable toilet
facilities at both Wink Jaffee and Wingo Junction for the duration of the rafting season. More
pennanent facilities at Wink Jaffee would be great, but certainly not required. Any additional
facilities at Wingo Junction are not necessary from our point of view.