Look out your office or living room window the last few weeks and it’s difficult to feel enthusiastic about the weather. With summer days slowly ticking away, the onset of this last month’s showers has meant frustration for many of the valley’s residents; however, river hounds have been hitting the valley’s whitewater with gusto as recent rain has created yet another high water season.

Sitting in the upper office overlooking Rendezvous River Sports, Will Taggart muses over the past few months of the whitewater kayaking season and what gems yet lay ahead. Recent rain and runoff has made for high water conditions yet fewer people on Jackson’s rivers, creating a playground for whitewater junkies. Last season we saw the Snake peak at 24,500 CFS and we’re currently in another high water season, with flows hitting 23,000 CFS a little over a week ago, and currently hovering down a little at 17,000. However, the reason for this seasons big water conditions has been a combined factor of rain and snowmelt. River enthusiasts predict that combination will lead to a shorter high water season compared to last year’s, where the Snake was running high through the 4th of July, says Mary Bess, Manager at Mad River Boat Trips. The cold wet weather has effectively warded off the onset of rafting tourists. But with this week’s change in weather, that’s all about to change — so get out there.

Will, along with his river companions from Rendezvous River Sports have been out on the water two to three days a week since the season began in April. Warm conditions in May resulting in runoff and June’s far above average rainfall have lead to big conditions on every river from the Hoback to Grey’s and of course the Snake. So what’s the expert’s pick right now? On a day out with friends at the beginning or intermediate level, Will recommends the Hoback and finishing on the Snake. And on a rainy morning before work toss your dry-suit in the car and head to “King’s Wave” and you’re sure to have it to yourself. Then when the river drops to 12,000 CFS, make an appointment with “Lunch Counter” for a big helping of Snake River frothy goodness.

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