DOWD CHUTE LEVEL CAVEATS The virtual gauge currently has higher uncertainty
at levels from 4'-5' due to lack of good calibration points from high water
last year. It will not estimate well above 5' with much accuracy at all until we
get a new post mounted on the riverside and can get some new calibration points
at higher levels. This will probably be after runoff this year. Wompwomp.
ACTION ALERT Did you know long term Dowd Chute
takeout access is currently on the chopping block? When the ECO trail is
completed from EagleVail to Dowd Jcn, CDOT has determined there will not be
enough remaining room in the right-of-way near River Run bus stop and the
parking will be removed at the top of the stairs. Access is also uncertain
because the Whiskey Creek State Trust Land is leased by CPW and their
State Wildlife Areas are technically only open to wildlife-related uses.
If access at near River Run is lost, lunch-laps and after-work laps
on the Chute may require paddling all the way to Avon to take out.
If you value open access below Dowd Chute and would like to see a
better takeout and secure long term access, contact your
county staff at Eagle
County Open Space and drop them a friendly message letting them
know access is important to you and you support a secure long term solution.
The towns of Vail, Avon, and Minturn are all partners to the MOU for the
housing project; let your town leadership know preserving access is a priority.
EAT YOUR BOATER VEGETABLES Do you know which
organization works for your recreational river access
and fights to protect for river access and streamflows both
here in Colorado and nationwide?
American Whitewater is the primary advocate for the preservation
and protection of whitewater rivers throughout the United States, and
connects the interests of human-powered recreational river users with
ecological and science-based data to achieve the goals within its mission.
Have you paid your dues for the year? Have you paid your dues EVER?
Maybe its time to (wo)man up and actually contribute something to your
recreational community.