Upper Sultan Release Labor Day?
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Category: General
Forum Name: Whitewater Forum
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URL: http://www.professorpaddle.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15009
Printed Date: 24 Apr 2024 at 10:25pm
Topic: Upper Sultan Release Labor Day?
Posted By: msims
Subject: Upper Sultan Release Labor Day?
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2015 at 5:53pm
Has anyone heard anything about another Sultan release?
At the previous release in April, the PUD folks mentioned offering another opportunity around Labor Day.
Would it better out chances to reach out to them and show interest?
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Replies:
Posted By: runawayjim
Date Posted: 27 Aug 2015 at 2:10pm
Update. Possible release Sat 9/12 with 400 cfs. If interested, fill out the survey by tomorrow. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7ZN3LMR - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7ZN3LMR
Email from Tom O'Keefe below
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Sultan River__8.27.15 email
I am sending this email out to those of you who have boated on the Sultan River or have otherwise expressed an interest in this project.
After much discussion among the various agencies involved in determining how to respond to the regional drought situation and what that means for ecological process flows on the Sultan River this fall, there will be a pulse flow on the Sultan River next month.
Flows will be lower than we had planned but will still provide a boating opportunity. The utility will release 400cfs from the dam which is within the range for a technical trip. They are willing to do this on a weekend (Saturday, 9/12/15) but I need to let them know if we are interested in this by this Friday, 8/28/15. In my experience, this flow still makes for a fun day on the section downstream of the diversion dam (folks may want to hike in there instead of hiking in to the trail at Culmback Dam).
Please fill out this quick survey if you are interested.
If you have enjoyed this opportunity and want to support my time to continue participating in the regular meetings with the resource agencies where we discuss instream flows, please consider a special contribution to American Whitewater. Your support allows the interest of whitewater paddlers to have a seat at the table.
For those of you wondering about the Chelan Gorge, fire crews are currently using the park and facilities owned by Chelan PUD. At this time, we expect a whitewater event will take place this fall. Chelan is eager to have some visitors in what has been a challenging tourist season. I informed the PUD that we would be respectful of the situation however and determine what the best course of action is as we approach. We will monitor the situation and you can watch our website for updates. And if you are interested, please be sure to sign up and Chelan PUD will keep you informed.
Thomas O'Keefe, PhD
Pacific Northwest Stewardship Director
American Whitewater
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Posted By: kevinh
Date Posted: 28 Aug 2015 at 9:12am
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Could someone speak to what the character of rapids below the diversion dam might be like at 400 cfs? Was there much wood on the last release?
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Posted By: msims
Date Posted: 28 Aug 2015 at 5:47pm
Not much wood in that section that I remember, especially compared to the 1st portion of river from culmback to the diversion dam. Good quality 4ish boulder gardens. The section from the diversion dam to the "normal" putin was felt to be the best and most "classic" section of river by the group I was part of.
As far as what to expect at 400cfs? Idk. In April, the target flow was 700 cfs and it felt like medium. I imagine that, at 400cfs, it will be a bit boney, some features will lack a punch but rapids will be passable. 400cfs will either be a minimum or fall below some folks' personal minimum.
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Posted By: kevinh
Date Posted: 29 Aug 2015 at 7:24pm
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Thanks for the info. I'm trying to figure out how hard I should try and get off work. Even if it is ELF it should be awesome. Tom, or anyone familiar, why do you suggest hiking into the diversion as opposed to Culback dam? Do you think that section will be a low water suffer fest? Thanks guys!
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Posted By: water wacko
Date Posted: 29 Aug 2015 at 9:07pm
The upper canyon felt a little low last release and has a lot of wood. Lower canyon not so much and a cleaner feel.
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"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." ~Howard Thurman
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Posted By: Jed Hawkes
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2015 at 10:30am
Is it on for this weekend?
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The line will become apparent
978-273-7723
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Posted By: runawayjim
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2015 at 12:32pm
Sure looks like it. Just make sure to sign up b/c a min of 6 paddlers are needed, although after the turnout at last release I doubt that will be an issue. Looks like we can drop boats at the trailhead this time to shorten up the hike if you decide to put-in at the Culmback Dam.
Putting in at the diversion may not be allowed but I have not confirmed this. "Another put-in and take-out option exists at the Diversion Dam (RM 9.7); however, due to safety and logistical concerns, this alternative must be approved and coordinated with the PUD, City of Everett, and American Whitewater staff well advance of any whitewater event."
It also looks like they are taking the sign-ups a bit more seriously this time and everyone will be issued wristbands.
AW Post: - https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Article/view/articleid/32415/ - https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Article/view/articleid/32415/
SnoPUD signup: http://www.snopud.com/?p=2118 - http://www.snopud.com/?p=2118
SnoPUD release info: http://www.snopud.com/PowerSupply/hydro/jhp/jhpsultanriver.ashx?p=1505 - http://www.snopud.com/PowerSupply/hydro/jhp/jhpsultanriver.ashx?p=1505
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Posted By: Mauler!
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2015 at 8:51pm
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I'm signed up! Will be looking for a group to horn in with.....the mauler
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Posted By: Slackkinhard
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2015 at 10:45am
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Any good stories? Good run?
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Posted By: akayakermike
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2015 at 5:34pm
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Fewer people (I saw 11 total) and knowing where the wood was made the upper bit more fun I thought. The section below the diversion dam was a bit manky, but not as bad as I had though and still very enjoyable.
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