In case you didn’t already know.. Saturday June 7th marks the Coloma Blues Fest on the South Fork American River. The music festival will be held at Henningsen Lotus Park on Lotus Rd.

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According to an article posted in USA Today.. California Gov., Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a statewide drought for the following reasons…

• two years of below-average rainfall
• low snowmelt runoff
• largest court-ordered restriction on water transfers.

He’s gotta be out of his mind! So it’s a little dry. We had nearly a 100% snowpack and water agencies haven’t been trying to cut back on water. According to the April 1 numbers we’re looking at a “normal” season.

Turns out it has something to do with him trying to generate support for new water projects…

“Schwarzenegger is using the drought declaration to push his nearly $12 billion proposal to build more reservoirs and a canal to direct water around the troubled Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.”
~ Don Thompson, Associated Press

Hey Folks.. if you’re still reading this.. we’re not in a drought… its just a little dry. California’s dam controlled rivers like the South & Middle Fork of the American, the Tuolumne and the Lower Kern will have plenty of water to go rafting all summer long in 2008!

Photo courtesy of All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting

For most Mountain towns the Skis and Snowboards got put away in early May. Now that we’re into June, most of the snow below 7000′ has melted off. Now we’re just waiting for the high eleveations to finish their thing so mountain biking can begin. The following mountain resorts offer lift access to some great mountain biking and will be opening soon.. with the exception of Northstar At Tahoe and Mt. Baldy which are already open.

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Well its the first week of June and there are plenty of great spring rivers still running. Especially if you look to Southern California which ended the winter with a snowpack of 130% of normal compared to the Northern California who was nearly a perfect average at 95%.

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I just got word this morning that Cherry Creek (The Upper Tuolumne River) will begin to have flows low enough for rafting and kayaking in June.

Cherry Creek usually doesn’t begin to run until mid-July because the flows are too high from spring run-off. Runnable flows range from 1000 cfs to 2000 cfs.

Cherry Creek is Class V. It’s considered the most difficult commercial whitewater rafting run in California. This river is best experienced with a commercial rafting company.

Mammoth sent out a dump alert late yesterday afternoon with and an announcement that they will remain open until June 1, 2008. Memorial Day was their planned last day until they received over a foot of snow and another 4 – 6 inches of fresh over night.

Could be the last fresh tracks of the 2008 ski season.

A message from Hetch Hetchy Water and Power regarding flows on the Tuolumne and Cherry Creek from May 23 – May 29.

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Talk about some weird weather here in California.. first the high winds and now precipitation.. so much for summer temperatures!

The forecast is rain and even some snow at the high elevations this Memorial Day Weekend. If you planning on heading to the mountains this weekend, be sure to check the local forecast and pack appropriately no matter what your outdoor activity might be.

Mammoth Mountain received 2-3 inches over the last 24 hours and may even get a couple more over the weekend. This will be the last weekend for skiing and snowboarding at Mammoth until the 2008-2009 season.

If you are planning on hitting the river this weekend for some rafting then make sure to pack the wetsuit if you own one… if you don’t rent one.. you’ll be glad you did.

Hey River Folks!

Save the Date: Monday, June 9, 9am – 4pm, EarthTrek Camp 2

The 11th Annual Headwaters Institute – American River Seminar is 7 weeks away. I am working with Scott Scheu for the 3rd year to plan a great lineup of speakers, workshops, and presentations. This is an educational opportunity specifically designed for river guides. Outfitters, business owners, community members, and anyone who is interested in learning about the American River watershed are welcome to attend.

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Head on out to Sierra at Tahoe for Pirate Day on Monday, April 21 for your last turns this season. It’s their last day for skiing and riding and lift tickets are only $20! All proceeds will be donated to sponsor local sports teams.