Whitewater Run CO Class III-IV

01. Tabernash to Granby

Fraser

Linked via: Proximity 93% confidence Synced 3mo ago

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Gauge Conditions
Runnable: 300.0 – 2,000.0 CFS
Runnable: 700.0 – 2,000.0 CFS

1300 CFS is the optimal flow for this range (flows based on 2012 WFET Colorado Basin Report).

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Description
The Fraser is an exciting and dynamic canyon which laregly feels like creek boating. The only public land is from the confluence of Ranch Creek and the Fraser to the tunnel. The next public land is at the takeout. Do not stop on private land. Read and run  until Thumper (III-IV) ~ 1.5 miles past the tunnel bridge which marks the end of public land. Scout river left - fast landing at a tree-less scramble to the tracks - or read and run. Higher flows can be more foregiving. The preferred run is right with a pull off Thumper rock. Read and run rapids (I-II+) follow intermittently for the next ~2 - 2.5 miles. The runout behind Granby Ranch is calm and winding. Where braided, avoid the left no-go channel. Be prepared to encounter deadfall across parts or all of the river at any time. Recommend using this guage to assess flow in the canyon: https://dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations/FRAGRACO?params=DISCHRG   (or combine Fraser @ Tabernash with Ranch Creek on USGS). Small boats can run this stretch at significantly lower flows.
Difficulty
Class III-IV
Length
9.9 mi
Gradient
34 ft/mi
Rapids
0
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater