Western River Expeditions Gears Up For Record Rapid Descents Due to High and Fast Moving Snow-Melt Waters

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Released on Monday, 13 June 2011 12:03

Rafting from Camp to Camp Predicted to be 40% Faster Allowing More Time for Side Canyon Hiking 

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, June 13, 2011– As of early June, skiers were still enjoying fresh snow on many slopes of the Rockies. What this means for the Colorado and Green River drainages is record snowpack which has begun to flow downstream making river rafting pioneer Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/) and their guests ecstatic. 

This comes as Western River Expeditions celebrates its 50^thanniversary of running rivers in the West. They’re predicting 2011 to be one of the top three years in the past half century for high water and big rapids in Utah/Arizona on the Colorado River (Westwater, Cataract Canyon, Grand Canyon) and the best year ever on Utah’s Green River through Desolation Canyon. High, fast waters are predicted through July and into August. 

“Our guides report excellent runs (40 percent faster than normal) and very excited guests, with river levels you may not see again in your lifetime,” says Brian Merrill, CEO. “High water brings both the thrill and fun of a more exciting ride plus more time for off-river side canyon exploring. It also creates the need to be extra cautious. In pre- and post-trip team meetings we discuss how things are going, insights we’ve learned from our expert guides and how to best handle the ever-changing water conditions.” 

"Some guests are not looking for white-knuckle whitewater.  For them, the perfect trip is down the Green River through Desolation Canyon. The high water makes this 4 or 5 day trip extra fun, but the rapids are not as large as those in Cataract Canyon, Westwater Canyon, and the Grand Canyon.  If people still want to experience this historic year on the river, we still have a few spots available on the Green River and Cataract Canyon for 2011.” says Merrill. 

Statistically as of early June the Colorado River Basin sat at 263 percent of normal and the Green River portion of the Basin was at 465 percent of normal, making it the highest year on record. Because of a cooler-than-normal spring, water is coming down in a more controlled fashion. This means high water, spread out over a longer period of time, which means more exciting rafting well into July. Peak flow is expected late June. 

Merrill says this year’s training focused on issues associated with high water: adjusting to much faster river speeds, dealing with obstacles that exist now because the high water is flowing over them, and excess driftwood in the water that has been washed off the banks upstream. 

Water being released through the Grand Canyon out of Glen Canyon Dam is 30-40 percent higher than average. Even with excess water being let out of Lake Powell to help fill Lake Mead, Lake Powell is still expected to rise by 30 feet this summer.  This will put it within 50 feet of being completely full.  Just three years ago, Lake Powell was down over 150 feet.

WesternRiverExpeditions   

Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/) is an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. Annually from March through October it escorts more people down rivers on professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/).

Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah rafting, and Idaho rafting trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. Today it pursues a “guiding green” philosophy and belongs to some of the top environmentally conscious organizations in the world: Grand Canyon River Outfitters Association, American Rivers, Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics, Utah Rivers Council, America Outdoors, and National River Cleanup Week. See: http://www.westernriver.com/whywestern/environment.php 

In 2009, Western River Expeditions was named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by the editors of National Geographic Adventure magazine. The company was recently honored as the 2011 recipient of "Best of State" through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program. This is the eighth consecutive year Western River Expeditions has earned this distinction. 

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River Rafting Pioneer, Western River Expeditions, Predicts High Waters, Stellar Year on West’s White Waters

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Released on Tuesday, 17 May 2011 15:14

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, MAY 17, 2011 – This spring / summer promises to be one of the top 10 best high water years on record for the Colorado River System in Utah and Arizona, reports Brian Merrill, CEO of Western River Expeditions http://www.westernriver.com /that 50 years ago helped pioneer the sport of river rafting on white waters of the West. 

“It’s possibly the best water year ever on Utah’s Green River  in our half century of river running,” Merrill said. He noted that for raft enthusiasts and whitewater adrenaline junkies “2011 is THE year to book a river trip through Westwater or Cataract Canyons of the Colorado Riveror Gray and Desolation Canyons on the Green.” Also, the Bureau of Reclamation is releasing extra flow from Glen Canyon Dam which means higher water through the Grand Canyon this year. (The water release strategy is an effort to increase the level of Lake Mead.) 

Merrill anticipated that high water would continue through late July this year; ordinarily it tapers off at the end of June. The public may monitor Colorado and Green River drainages on a daily basis by going to: http://www.cbrfc.noaa.gov/rec/rec.php. 

As of mid May the water content from snowpack in the mountains of the Colorado River Basin is the fifth highest on record, potentially making this year one of the 10 best high water years ever, with 1984 setting records when the flow in Cataract Canyon peaked at 114,000 cubic feet per second (CFS). In 1983 it peaked at 103,000 CFS. The current snowpack is 10 percent behind where it was at this point in 1983 and 20 percent behind where it was in 1984. Anything over 50,000 CFS is considered significant according to Merrill. 

“We will easily exceed that number this year,” said Merrill. “There is no way to accurately predict because there are so many variables such as how quickly will the weather warm up and the amount of spring rainfall. These factors could either cause the water to peak quickly or come down more gradually creating a nice sustained flow that stretches later into the summer. But based on the snowpack and the long-term weather prediction, we could easily see levels around 70,000 - 80,000 CFS on the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon.” 

He explained that two benefits of faster, higher water are bigger and more exciting rapids plus faster journeys down river so there’s more time for side canyon hiking and exploring. 

“Desolation Canyon on the Green River, again thanks to snowpack, will be spectacular. It's still a more moderate river as compared to the Colorado River, but a great number of the rapids become a solid Class III http://www.westernriver.com/riverscale/, and it is incredibly fun.  It is more rare for the Green River to get big, so this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” 

The larger waves and increased river speed present high water challenges that his staff have been trained to meet. 

“Our philosophy is that we always prepare for the most extreme conditions and if we don't have them, it's ok to be over-prepared,” he said. 

Rafting trips offered by Western River Expeditions range from one to seven days:

-Westwater Canyon, Colorado River – http://www.westernriver.com/trips/westwater1day/;

-Cataract Canyon, Colorado River – 2 day http://www.westernriver.com/trips/cataract/ and 4 day http://www.westernriver.com/trips/canyonlands/;

-Desolation & Gray Canyons, Green River – http://www.westernriver.com/trips/green/;

-Grand Canyon, Colorado River – http://www.westernriver.com/trips/grandcanyon/ 

Western River Expeditions

Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/) is an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. Annually from March through October it escorts more people down rivers on professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/). 

Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah rafting, and Idaho rafting trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. Today it pursues a “guiding green” philosophy and belongs to some of the top environmentally conscious organizations in the world: See: http://www.westernriver.com/whywestern/environment.php 

In 2009, Western River Expeditions was named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by the editors of National Geographic Adventure magazine. The company was recently honored as the 2010 recipient of "Best of State" through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program. This is the seventh consecutive year Western River Expeditions has earned this distinction. 

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Western River Expeditions, River Rafting Pioneer, Heralds 50 Years on American Rivers

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Released on Tuesday, 01 March 2011 13:38

 Western River Expedition’s 50^thAnniversary Season Celebrated with Shared Stories, Discounts, Cake and Complimentary Trip Photos 

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, Mar. 1, 2011 –Fifty years ago Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/) helped pioneer the concept of river rafting vacations, targeting wilderness canyons and white water rivers in the American West that five decades later continue to amaze gadget-driven, world-weary clients who may find themselves in raw nature for the first times in their lives. 

From humble beginnings Western River Expeditions (WRE) now offers multi-day rafting itineraries on the Colorado River in Utah and Arizona, Utah’s Green River, the Salmon River in Idaho and the Snake River along the Oregon-Idaho border. WRE has the distinction of being the single largest licensed outfitter offering rafting trips through the Grand Canyon. 

To celebrate a half century in business and help guests preserve their extraordinary memories, all guests on 2011 adventures will receive a special gift from Western River and trip-partner Shutterfly. On every multi-day trip guests will help celebrate over freshly baked Dutch-oven birthday cake. Plus, for those celebrating a 50^thbirthday or anniversary of their own, they will receive a $50 gift certificate from the Moab Adventure Center (a division of the company) for, among others, rafting, hot air ballooning, mountain biking and 4-wheel drive tours. 

Said Brandon Lake, WRE vice president, “In addition to the extraordinary natural settings in which we operate, our commitment to professional guides, trip safety, and integrity have secured a position for Western River Expeditions that’s second to none in the river rafting industry.” 

“Every year, Western River Expeditions escorts more people down the rivers we run than anyone else in the business. In addition to thousands of repeat customers each year, more than half of our new guests come each year as a result of the recommendations of past guests,” said Lake. 

WRE’s rafting season runs from March through October on rivers in Utah, Idaho and Arizona. Aside from its river operations, it is also the largest tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/). 

To help document its 50 year history and river legacy, all year long the company will be sharing and collecting stories from managers, staff and guides while also encouraging former guests to share and blog about their own tales.  See: http://blog.westernriver.com/blog/western-river-guest-stories 

WesternRiverExpeditions  

Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/) is an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. Annually from March through October it escorts more people down rivers on professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/). 

Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah rafting, and Idaho rafting trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. Today it pursues a “guiding green” philosophy and belongs to some of the top environmentally conscious organizations in the world: Grand Canyon River Outfitters Association, American Rivers, Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics, Utah Rivers Council, America Outdoors, and National River Cleanup Week. See: http://www.westernriver.com/whywestern/environment.php 

In 2009, Western River Expeditions was named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by the editors of National Geographic Adventure magazine. The company was recently honored as the 2010 recipient of "Best of State" through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program. This is the seventh consecutive year Western River Expeditions has earned this distinction. 

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Western River Expeditions Announces Three Truly American Adventures Wrapped in New Four-Day Program in Iconic Moab, Utah

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Released on Monday, 13 December 2010 16:35

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, DEC. 13, 2010 – One of the oldest and most respected river and canyon outfitters in the American West (http://www.westernriver.com/) wants its guests to have it all.  

Western River Expeditions’ appropriately dubbed “Red Rocks, Whitewater and Blue Sky” adventure combines three uniquely American activities into one active four-day/three-night package based in the iconic Moab, Utah region. The activities are 4x4 off-road exploring, whitewater rafting and hot air ballooning. The per-person rate is $897 ($815 ages 12-15). 2011 Departures begin May 4 and continue weekly through Sept. 25. See: http://www.westernriver.com/trips/moab-utah-multisport/

The setting is red rock canyons, exhilarating whitewater rapids and limitless blue sky horizons surrounded by two of the nation's most alluring national parks; Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Guests depart each day for a new adventure returning with the setting sun to the down-home comforts of Red Cliffs Lodge on the banks of the Colorado River. 

First up is back-country exploring along isolated arroyos, sandstone fins and slickrock slopes via an American-built, specially modified Hummer® with engines powered by environmentally friendly bio-fuel.  

The following day introduces guests to another truly American-made activity; whitewater rafting the Class II-IV rapids of the Colorado River through Westwater Canyon, named “The West’s Best Short Whitewater Trip” by National Geographic.  While the sport of recreational rafting may have begun as early as 1940 in the American West, it was John D. Rockefeller who is credited with launching the first commercial float trip operation in 1956 at his family resort in Wyoming.  

The final morning celebrates the vision of American Paul Edward Yost (1919–2007) the "Father of Modern Hot-Air Ballooning”.  Rising before the sun, guests help stage and inflate their hot air balloon before climbing in with a veteran pilot to soar up to 4,000-feet above the maze of canyons, cliffs and desert surrounding Moab with Arches and Canyonlands National Parks below.  

Before and after adventures guests have free time to browse the art studios and shops of Moab, Utah, rated by Trip Advisor as one of the United States’ Top 3 Outdoor & Adventure Destinations. Trips begin at the Red Cliffs Lodge, 25 minutes outside of downtown Moab. Travelers can fly directly into Moab and shuttle into town, or fly into Grand Junction, Colorado (1.5 hour drive) or Salt Lake City (4 hour drive) and rent a car.  

WesternRiverExpeditions

Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/) is an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. Annually from March through October it escorts more people down rivers on professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/).  

Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah rafting, and Idaho rafting trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. Today it pursues a “guiding green” philosophy and belongs to some of the top environmentally conscious organizations in the world: Grand Canyon River Outfitters Association, American Rivers, Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics, Utah Rivers Council, America Outdoors, and National River Cleanup Week.

See: http://www.westernriver.com/whywestern/environment.php  

In 2009, Western River Expeditions was named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by the editors of National Geographic Adventure magazine. The company was recently honored as the 2010 recipient of "Best of State" through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program. This is the seventh consecutive year Western River Expeditions has earned this distinction.  

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Western River Expeditions Announces New Family Rafting Trips Creatively Designed Just for Parents and Kids

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Released on Monday, 29 November 2010 10:43

Salmon River Family Trips Feature a Special River Jester to Encourage and Entertain Children as Young as Five 

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, Nov. 29, 2010 – For over 50 years Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/) has delivered whitewater thrills to adventurous families from around the world. Wanting to raise the bar (and fun meter) on family-exclusive adventures the company recently announced the launch of a new series of trips for 2011 on Idaho’s Salmon River that may redefine adventure travel with the kids.  

Western River Expeditions’ new five day/four night Salmon River Canyons Family Magic rafting trip caters exclusively to families (aunts, uncles and grandparents are welcome) with children as young as five. The staff includes not only accomplished guides and camp hands but also a designated River Jester^TMwhose sole duty is to lead nature-oriented games and activities for kids and teens. Parents and grandparents may choose to join in the fun, or spend adult time together knowing that their children are well attended.  

“Families with school-aged children account for a growing percentage of our business,” explains Brandon Lake, vice-president of Western River Expeditions. “The addition of a specially trained staff member to encourage, inspire and entertain the kids will more than enhance the experience. It’s the most exciting new concept in family rafting trips we’ve seen.”  

The duties of the River Jester don’t end with camp games and activities on the beach. They assist with a special kids’ dinner each night “that would make Dr. Seuss drool” and see that the day ends with stories and songs around the campfire. The special kids’ dinner time (usually served around 6:00 PM) allows adults to enjoy a quiet social time before their dinner, usually served 90 minutes later. Children are welcome to eat at either or both meals.  

The nature of the river canyon and the 74 wild and scenic river miles from put-in to take-out also lends itself to ideal conditions for families with young children.  This lower stretch of the Main Salmon River as it merges with the Snake River is characterized by huge white sand beaches, playful "pool and drop" rapids, great riverside hiking, rich and fascinating Nez Perce Indian and pioneer history, and warm water for swimming.  

The Class II-IV rapids are more fun than intimidating and perfect for paddle rafts and inflatable kayaks (affectionately called Daring Duckies). Oar-powered rafts are also used to carry camping gear and food, and to effortlessly carry those who want a break from paddling.  

Trips meet and end in Lewiston, Idaho (closest airports: Lewiston, ID or Spokane, WA). 2011 trip departures are July 11,18, 25, Aug 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. Trip rates are $1,435 for adults and $1,245 for kids 5-15, plus tax. All trips are run in partnership with ROW Adventures based in Coeur d’Alene, ID. For more information see: http://www.westernriver.com/trips/salmon-river-canyons/  

This same approach to “family magic” river trips with the inclusion of a River Jester, games and activities for kids, special meal times and campfire fun will be incorporated into all of Western River Expeditions’ family rafting trips on the Green River in Utah as well.  Western’s four and five day Green River through Desolation Canyon trips feature outlaw hideouts, ancient dinosaur habitats, and Fremont Native American petroglyphs along 84 scenic river miles.  Minimum age is five and 2011 departures are weekly from June to August. See: http://www.westernriver.com/trips/green/  

Western River Expeditions

Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/) is an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. Annually from March through October it escorts more people down rivers on professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/).  

Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah rafting, and Idaho rafting trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. Today it pursues a “guiding green” philosophy and belongs to some of the top environmentally conscious organizations in the world: Grand Canyon River Outfitters Association, American Rivers, Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics, Utah Rivers Council, America Outdoors, and National River Cleanup Week. See: http://www.westernriver.com/whywestern/environment.php

In 2009, Western River Expeditions was named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by the editors of National Geographic Adventure magazine. The company was recently honored as the 2010 recipient of "Best of State" through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program. This is the seventh consecutive year Western River Expeditions has earned this distinction. 

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Family Adventures with Western River Expeditions Offer a Cure for Digital Overload

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Released on Thursday, 01 July 2010 09:31

Western River Expeditions Hosts Girlfriend’s Getaway July 20-23

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Released on Thursday, 27 May 2010 10:31