Boaters should expect the river to be moving faster than normal for August which means the hazards will approach faster. Photo: Nick Sulzer // Buckrail

MOOSE, Wyo. — Hoping to head out to the river? Today, Grand Teton National Park reminded boaters to “slow your row and check the flow” to ensure safety during this time of year when flows are higher than average.

“The Bureau of Reclamation will continue to draw down Jackson Lake until mid-September. This is resulting in higher than average flows on the Snake River within Grand Teton National Park. High water brings hazards, especially for inexperienced boaters,” said GTNP in a post to Facebook today.

The Snake River is a complex river with a tangle of channels and shifting snags. Logjams and other debris can block channels, tip boats, and change currents. Boaters should expect the river to be moving faster than normal for August which means the hazards will approach faster.

 

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  • Check the section you’re floating on before getting on the water. Know where your exit points are and stick to a plan.
  • Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are required for ALL boaters. Passengers under 13 years of age must wear a PFD at all times, and it’s strongly recommended that all boaters wear one when on the water.
  • Inexperienced boaters should use extra caution on the river. If not comfortable navigating moving water, there are several lakes in the park which provide calm-water boating opportunities.

She's a lover of alliteration, easy-to-follow recipes and board games when everyone knows the rules. Her favorite aspect about living in the Tetons is the collective admiration that Wyomingites share for the land and the life that it sustains.