{"id":7117,"date":"2015-03-06T16:47:42","date_gmt":"2015-03-07T00:47:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aorafting.com\/blog\/?p=7117"},"modified":"2026-03-31T18:00:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T01:00:25","slug":"drought-theres-still-water-rafting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aorafting.com\/blog\/drought-theres-still-water-rafting\/","title":{"rendered":"When in Drought, There’s Still Water for Rafting!"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Rafting<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Droughts. They\u2019re rough. They cause all sorts of troubles, but don\u2019t jump to too many conclusions just yet! Many people assume that droughts = no water = no rafting, but that\u2019s not the case thanks to human intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite what you\u2019d think, there\u2019s still loads of incredible rafting options even when Mother Nature leaves us pretty high and dry. In normal snowpack years, AO offers a wide variety of rivers<\/a> (ten throughout California!), but even in drought, the rafting game is still strong. There are still trips available for all experience levels ranging from a Class II family float to the most difficult commercially-run Class V river adventure in the United States. Itineraries vary from half-day trips to 3-day trips, in developed areas and in wild places. Since 1962 we have been creating a wide range of trips on California rivers that fit nearly everyone’s needs and desires. If you want to go rafting in the Golden State, you’re covered!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How is rafting in drought possible?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are over 800 rivers in California with over 1200 dams situated throughout. The reservoirs behind these dams come in all shapes and sizes and are positioned at all different elevations. In drought, the media spends a lot of time focusing on the large lower elevation reservoirs, such as Shasta, Oroville, Folsom, Don Pedro, etc. These reservoirs have huge water storage capacity and play a significant role in supplying California with agricultural and urban water needs. When their levels are low, California water supply is in trouble. These “mega reservoirs” require consistent normal to above-normal precipitation years to stay full.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More importantly for rafting, it\u2019s the little-seen and less-discussed HIGH ELEVATION water storage reservoirs that are the deciding factors of the well-being of our season. We raft the sections of rivers between the high-elevation reservoirs and the low-elevation mega reservoirs. And guess what? The higher elevation ones generally fare much better than the lower elevation reservoirs during years with low snow and rainfall. They\u2019re much smaller\u00a0<\/em>and do not need as much precipitation to refill. Even if the snowpack isn\u2019t packin\u2019, all rainfall also plays a crucial role in the re-filling process.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Toulumne<\/figure>\n\n\n
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Where the rivers are flowing and our rafts are still going<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our four main reservoir-release rivers that we raft are conveniently between the fuller high-elevation reservoirs and the not-so-full low-elevation reservoirs. These rivers\u2019 flows are reliable and predictable as they are determined by a set schedule of controlled releases from the upstream dams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reservoir-release rivers will be flowing similar to most years, just without high water flows in the early months of the season that can occur after winters with above-normal snowfall. Also, the itineraries on these 4 rivers offer it all – from mild to wild! Tons of variety even during times of drought!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

– South Fork American River<\/a><\/span>
Fed by 7 high-elevation water storage reservoirs. A classic California river with itineraries enjoyed by guests age 5 to 85 (maybe even older!). Great for groups with mixed skill and experience levels. Not far from San Francisco or Lake Tahoe!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Middle Fork American River<\/a><\/span>
Fed by 2 high-elevation water storage reservoirs. A crystal-clear 16-mile stretch of river including the famous Tunnel Chute Rapid! This Class III-IV river is ideal for experienced rafters and adventurous beginners. Also not far from San Francisco or Lake Tahoe!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Tuolumne River<\/a><\/span>
Fed by 3 high-elevation water storage reservoirs. A Wild & Scenic protected river that brings rafting enthusiasts from near and far to experience the quiet, beautiful canyon with Class IV-V rapids like the legendary Clavey Falls. Conveniently located about an hour from the western entrance to Yosemite National Park!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

–\u00a0Cherry Creek<\/a><\/span>
Fed by 2 high-elevation\u00a0water storage reservoirs. This is considered one of the most difficult commercial whitewater trips in the United States! Expect to be challenged and thrilled by this non-stop Class V river, especially during the Miracle Mile. This trip is a pinnacle for seasoned rafters as it is an experience of a lifetime! Also located about an hour from the western entrance to Yosemite National Park!<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"When<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Why water is released through the summer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The upstream reservoirs release consistent flows in all types of water years for many reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n