For the first time in well over 25 years, Vortex Rapid has altered its personality. And, we do not believe she has adopted a friendlier demeanor. . .
During the week of May 19th, under the onslaught of a flow in excess of 4,000cfs, the "slide rock" that so many guides have relied upon as a safe portal shifted dramatically to river right.
The enclosed photo is a panoramic that shows the entire rapid since the change (click on the image for a more impressive view). Most noticeable is the new position of the slide rock. The shift seams to have made the entrance far less palatable, to say the least. It appears the newly altered rapid has a much tougher second drop as well. Portage river left is an important option to consider as we all figure out the best way to negotiate this "new" rapid on the Forks of the Kern.
Enjoy.
2 comments:
We just got back from a thunder run trip on June 8th and it was absolutely epic!! All the guides were great but specifically I was on the boat with Starter and he was awesome. Really showed us a great time. We will definitely be coming back for the forks next year.
Adam,
Our 2009 Forks trip dates are:
May 6, 11, 16, 21, 26, 31
June 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30
July 5, 10, 15
Check out our Forks of the Kern page.
Thanks for joining us in 2008. We look forward to boating the big water with you in '09!
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