Re: Rafting in the Valley question

Hi,

Leaving tomorrow for a week in the valley. Should I even bother bringing the inflatable kayaks? Any chance the river will be raftable next week?

I suspect that given that there are still flood warnings in the valley due to high water, they won't allow rafting until the water level drops a good bit.

More specifically, per this page, the gage at Pohono Bridge must be below 7' at 8:00 am for rafting to be allowed. (You'll also need a PFD if the river is above 4' at 8:00am.)

The OP probably is already in the valley, but in case others are wondering, left the valley today. When we drove in two days ago saw many signs no water sports/activities. I think it's still not allowed.

We did have a fantastic time rafting the Merced three days ago, with experienced guides (with an outfitter), with many safety checks. They said it was class 3-4. I highly recommend it.

Quote
recycling1991
We did have a fantastic time rafting the Merced three days ago, with experienced guides (with an outfitter), with many safety checks. They said it was class 3-4. I highly recommend it.

I'm assuming that it was not in the valley and outside the park, starting in the El Portal area (Cedar Lodge)? Just wasn't explicitly clear in your statement

Quote
buster

Quote
recycling1991
We did have a fantastic time rafting the Merced three days ago, with experienced guides (with an outfitter), with many safety checks. They said it was class 3-4. I highly recommend it.

I'm assuming that it was not in the valley and outside the park, starting in the El Portal area (Cedar Lodge)? Just wasn't explicitly clear in your statement

Yes.