Thanks to a heavy mountain snowpack, wet spring and quickly rising temperatures, the Susan River is flowing higher, faster and colder than normal for early summer. The Bureau of Land Management is advising anyone recreating on the river to be careful.
Those taking to the water in kayaks, rafts, canoes and even inner tubes should wear life jackets or life vests, helmets and shoes suitable for rocks and swift current. They should be constantly alert for hazards.
“Trees that have fallen across the river are especially dangerous,” said BLM Outdoor Recreation Planner Stan Bales. “The current can move you quickly into the tree where you could become pinned or trapped in underwater branches. It’s best to get out of the water and walk around these obstacles.”
Boaters should also watch for undercut boulders protruding from river banks, rocks in rapids, partially submerged trees and fast current.
Additionally, cold water can lead to hypothermia and delayed reflexes which are very dangerous conditions.
A list of river safety guidelines is available at the BLM website.
