Marking a milestone that Front Range river runners consider long overdue, Denver Water will attempt to “manage the timing of flows to enhance whitewater recreation” on the North Fork of the South Platte River for the first time Saturday and Sunday.
Legal-speak aside, the debut of a coordinated recreational water release through Bailey Canyon calls for a party. Bailey Fest 2010 will celebrate the optimal flow of 300 to 450 cubic feet per second (cfs) planned for release from Dillon Reservoir via the Roberts Tunnel into the often underserved stem of river running through Bailey Canyon and Foxton.
Kayakers are encouraged to come out and show their support of the rare summer release by paddling the classic Class IV/V run beginning at the town of Bailey on Saturday, followed by a takeout party with free food and beer from 2-6 p.m. at Pine Valley Ranch Park. Colorado Whitewater is planning a cruise down the more mellow Foxton section (Class III) on Sunday. In between, group camping is free to boaters and volunteers along Forest Road 550 near Buffalo Creek.
For more information, call Ian Foley at 303-907-1373 or Confluence Kayaks at 303-433-3676.
Scott Willoughby, The Denver Post
