Assuming the levels are still runnable, I was thinking about doing a run on the Upper Middle Snoqualmie (the section above the 'Middle-Middle') on Saturday. The plan is to go slow, catch lots of eddies, and work on fundamentals - as anybody who has paddled with me lately will know that I need to work on =)

so if any new paddlers want to get out or if anybody just wants to work on their skills on a scenic stretch, let me know.

It's mostly a class II run with a couple of II+ maybe III I'd the waters kicking. If you've done the Lower Green successfully you'll be fine. It's a REALLY scenic run if the sun is out. Different mountain views around each bend. Bring lunch and take your time. When I did it we put in on the Taylor river and went all the way past the concrete bridge, so I'm not exactly sure about the put in details, but if you make it to the Taylor, turn around and put in at the next good spot. A couple of the best rapids were right after the Taylor confluence, so try to put in as high upstream as you can.

Another option is putting in above the confluence on the MF. The gate is open at the Taylor and there is river access a short ways up the road. The road conditions are horrible to the Taylor, but improve a bit afterwards.

My wife and I might be down to join up with you guys if the river doesn't drop too much lower..

I might be interested, should be a nice day Saturday. If the surf doesn't come together, I'm up for Snoqualmie or Green (any part of either).

My memory of it isn't great, but I believe it was around 1700 when we did it. Granted, I probably have a lower threshold than a lot of people for how low I'll go, it didn't seem super bony except for one rapid. Who knows though? That was a while ago and I don't really have a good bearing on how the river bed can change there.

Man this is sounding like a party! I'm stoked for you guys. Maybe for myself, too, as I was just about to invite myself into the mix.

Until, that is, I read Mokelume's post. Saddly, I have to confirm that he is spot on. He is exactly right. It is Way low. At the risk of offending someone's low water sensibilities, I'm going to illustrate a few things rather factual.

The Middle Frk Snoqualmie doesn't seem to hold its water very well. Currently the guage is 900ish, which is low. This high pressure system is dragging some cold air down from the north. It hasn't rained much all week, and cold temps have shut off whatever might have melted had we recieved more rain and warmer temps.

Another important detail, somewhat based on my opinion but more based on my experience of having run nearly 200 rivers and creeks:
Washington class II tends to be spread out over wider riverbeds designed by nature to carry occasionaly large discharges of water in short spans of time. This means that at lower flows it is shallow and bony, and at high flows gravel routinely reshapes itself. The short point of this would be that you probably want more water.

Some riverbeds, such as the White Salmon and other basalt canyons, remain channelized and constricted even at low water flows. The Mfrk. Sno is not such a stream. This has to do with the glacial processes that formed it. The Sauk drainages would be a similar example. Gravel bars, braided channnels, ect. You want more water.

Now having said all that, I'd like to extend an invitation (or invite myself, if I may) to paddle with any or all of you, maybe this weekend. I'm not sure the upper M frk. will be a good place to work on fundementals this weekend, but there is always the lower Green. It actually does all right with less water then the Upper Green gorge does.

Anyway, not sure what'll pan out this weekend, but I enjoy working on fundementals, too. You guys should keep me in mind,ok? PM me and get my phone #. When would you rally on saturday? I may or may not make it this go round, but Keep me in loop!

Cool, Nelson. The jury is still out on my availability for saturday. But I live close to the green. So keep me in mind. Now and in the future. Actually the middle frk is only a little further away, for future reference.

I been paddling a while but I ain't afraid of class II- I have the right boat for it that makes it very enjoyable. Or, more likely, its a mentality. The tendency for most paddlers is to progress towards "The Gnar" and leave the tranquility of class II behind forever. They are missing out on some subtle treasures. I consider myself what I'd call a "full spectrum" boater, meaning I enjoy all grades of whitewater (except class VI). I'm down with flatwater, too, although I'm not fond of the pond or lake. I like kinetic water. Water with a pulse. Water with a soul. Such water can be found on the Lower Green for sure.

Anyway, hit me up, Yall!

Oh, sorry I meant the MF road to Dingford. The Taylor is permanently closed at the bridge.

JP was probably talking about the Upper Gorge.

You're probably looking for the Lower Gorge. You'll probably find the Lower Gorge entertaining down to 400cfs.

I'm a definite maybe for Saturday. Babysitting this weekend. I just need to find a lid for the playpen or some duck tape that won't leave marks, so I can sneak out for a few hours.

Looks like the Upper Middle is definitely going to be too low, so I am thinking the Lower Green is the best Plan B.

We could meet at 10am at Flaming Geyser if that works. What say everyone?

I proposed meeting at 10am, but nobody else has confirmed yet. I really hope some folks want to come out and boat tomorrow - I am looking forward to it.

my phone number is below in case anybody wants to sync up in the morning:

fore.ate.oh-six.five.too-seven.ate.six.too (call or text)