The recent heavy rains on top of the late winter snow fall have added greatly to the river and reservoir levels in southern New England. Last week’s storm dropped 2 – 4 more inches of rain in the region and according to the National Weather Forecast Service this has been one of the wettest winters on record with above normal conditions for flooding at this time of year. Climate predictions through June 2008 call for normal precipitation and temperatures for the northeast. These weather patterns are just what Zoar Outdoor hopes for as its spring whitewater season commences on five different rivers around New England.
Zoar Outdoor’s Director of Rafting Kevin McMillan has been busy training guides, getting equipment ready and planning trips since February in anticipation of the spring rafting season. “We were on the Deerfield River the last two weekends training new guides. This is my favorite time of year for rafting, because the water is high and it is such an adrenaline rush,” explains McMillan.
The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center estimates that the present snow pack in southern Vermont contains an equivalent 4-6 inches of water saturation, which translates into a 40-60 foot rise in reservoir levels for the hydro-power systems on the Deerfield River. Downstream releases would be generous and long providing high-water trips throughout the spring.
This spring Zoar will be offering a variety of trips in various New England locations that are sure to satisfy most whitewater enthusiasts. Zoar will be running five different rivers during the month of April, catching all the high-water runs in southern New England. There’s excitment for everyone depending on where you live and what type of water you like.
Big-Water spring rafting trips month include: (see http://www.zoaroutdoor.com/whitewaterrafting.htm)
– the Millers River in Erving, MA, a class 3 -4 trip scheduled for April 1 -15
– the Bulls Bridge of the Housatonic River in CT, a class 4 ride on April 5, 6, 19, 20
– the Concord River in Lowell, MA, a class 3-4 urban ride on April and May weekends
– the West River in Jamaica, VT, a class 3-4 trip scheduled for April 26 & 27
– the Deerfield River in Charlemont, MA, a class 2-3 trip starting for the season on April 15th
For more information about spring whitewater rafting and other outdoor adventure contact Zoar Outdoor at 800-532-7483 or see zoaroutdoor.com. Zoar Outdoor is an outdoor recreation resort located in western, Massachusetts, 2- 3 hours from the greater Boston and NYC metropolitan areas. They offer guided river trips, paddling instruction, fly fishing lessons, bike & kayak rentals, retail sales, camping, and lodging.