The Late Winter Doldrums

Two weeks ago, our snowpack was around 50% of average. Now it is over 100% of average and is about the same as what we had a year ago. The 10-day forecast calls for a continuation of this, so we could significantly increase that. Last year was a very good year for whitewater boating. Despite all of the recent rain and snow, most of the rivers are running very low. If you want to boat, you have to travel.

This is not all that uncommon for this time of year. It's just cold enough that the snow and ice aren't melting. The recent heavy rains couldn't soak into the cold ground enough to keep a flow going. The flows will head up quickly, only to peak just below minimum boating level. In some areas, the flows are high enough to run, but the roads are closed because of snow.

Welcome to the Late Winter Doldrums... soon to be the Early Spring Doldrums.

This is the time of year when we should take advantage of the lack of boating to repair our gear and get things organized. It's the time of year to get back to working out and going to a lake for flip practice. It's the time of year to handle all of those jobs around the house that we're not going to have time for when the rivers start running. It's the time of year to rack up vacation days and "family days" so we can take advantage of them later. Good luck with that.