JACKSON, Wyo. — With Jackson Lake Dam approaching capacity fast at 90% and warmer temperatures forecasted over the next couple weeks, the Snake River spring runoff is paddling into another gear…just in time for Dave Hansen Whitewater’s High Water Heyday contest!
(MSRP $2,795)
Locals, out-of-towners, and young river-lovers alike have five days left left to submit their best guess for the Snake’s peak high water mark of the season. The stakes are high…non-residents and 13-17 year olds are vying for the chance to win a whitewater or scenic trip for themselves and their 7 best river-loving friends. Locals 18 years and older have the opportunity to look especially stylish this summer on the Snake and win a brand new NRS star raft! Past locals winners have been nurses, brewers, accountants, beginners and season vets, all sure to be out on the Snake this summer themselves, ready to welcome the next winner with open arms, splash fights and, of course, hints to the best fishing spots on the river.
What will the high water mark be in the Snake River Canyon this season? Need a little extra river intel? Well, Jackson Lake Dam releases were bumped from winter flows of 280 cfs to about 2,000 cfs on May 9. Since then, flows have steadily increased to 2,200 cfs, but are projected to jump significantly over the new couple weeks, possibly as high as 6,000 cfs. This increase, along with the natural melt that happens downstream of the dam, is almost certain to give a great high-water rafting period before things settle into the normal flows for the season. If peak natural melt and peak releases out of Jackson Lake cross over the same time period, there could be a high mark not seen in few years. Get ready for some roaring waves from Lunch Counter!
Be sure to track the river flows in the Snake River Canyon throughout the runoff, along with the real time flows of all Snake River gauges and local rivers, on the Dave Hansen Whitewater River Report.
DHWW is beyond grateful for the special river community fostered here on the Snake and is so excited to offer this contest as a thank you to our amazing JH locals, employees, customers and visitors! Good luck to the contestants this year and, as always, Raft On!
