The Grand Canyon attracts tourists because of its unique and intriguing geology. However, beyond its famous red and orange walls and winding crannies, it is a perfect white water rafting spot as well.
The Colorado River’s water levels through Grand Canyon are regulated every 9-12 hours and determined by the Colorado River Management Plan (CRMP). Big whitewater in Grand Canyon is not during spring run off like most other rivers as this river does not rely on the melting of the snow and ice for its water flow. Instead, white water rafting season in the Grand Canyon is generally during the warmer months when air conditioning becomes a necessity in the Southwest, and more water is needed downstream for agriculture. The more electricity needed in the surrounding states, Las Vegas for example, the more water is let down the river. The Glen Canyon Dam is responsible for producing this electricity and holding back the enormous amount of water collected at Lake Powell.
The commercial rafting season through Grand Canyon National Park operates from April through October. Each month has fluctuating water flows and every day the water is released within the predetermined water flow amount. These water levels are determined by the amount of moisture, snow melt and rain that the Upper and Lower Colorado River Basin receives. Once the amount of water is estimated, hydrologists determine the amount of water released on a monthly basis to meet the goals outlined in the CRMP. The water from the Colorado River is shared amongst 7 states and Mexico. The CRMP helps to meet the distribution goals and regulations in place to properly distribute the water amongst these areas. What does this mean for big whitewater in the Grand Canyon? It means that every year the water flows are different, and every month there is a team of scientists determining the amount of water that will be released downstream of Glen Canyon Dam.
Credit : Advantage
Picture Credit : Google
