Lake Creek - The Upper

Colorado-US  

Description

The upper section of Lake Creek is around 8 miles long.  Since Highway 82 parallels Lake Creek you can choose how much you want to run.  Since this is class V to V+ you can make this an all day hair fest or do some park and drops.

The utmost upper 2 miles of this run consist of some class IV waves, some flatwater and braided channels and some possible wood hazards.  Scout from the road.  Below here the bigger drops start.  See below for specific drop info.

Below tombstone is another 2 miles of class IV water.  Then you run into Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY).  See below.

Another couple of miles brings you to Toaster Rapid.  This will most likely require a mandatory portage but you may be lucky and for some reason find it clear of wood and runnable (not likely).

Statistics

Class V to V+
Current Flow 1140.0 CFS
06-26-2019 08:30
Recommended Flow Minimum: 150.0
Average: 400.0
Maximum: 700.0
Typical Season Begins: April
Ends: June
Recommended Use Kayaking: Yes
Rafting: No
Canoeing: No
SUP: No
Packrafting: No
Fishing: No
Primary Gauge LAKE CREEK ABOVE TWIN LAKES RESERVOIR
Length 8.0 Mile(s)
Gradient 125.0 FPM