This was a most enjoyable adventure for our small group: Sara Cockrell, Jocelyn Trepte, Ian Millar, and Fred Swartz. It wouldn’t have been right for beginners, or those who dislike portaging, but it proved to be a challenging, yet safe trip. Mark Miltner did the shuttle for us, and we reported back to him about the storm blockages that we found.
Don’t mess with the sixth power. Last week we had wanted to paddle the Pine (Dobson to Low) during the high water following a big storm. It wasn’t just high water; it was a major once-a-decade event with flows reaching 2000 cfs as opposed to an average flow in the low 300s. We saw it last week when the flow was “only” about 4 times normal. The speed of river was intimidating, but the massive log flotsam was frightening. This wouldn’t have been surprising had we known that: “In 1757, theGerman hydrologist Albert Brahms empirically observed that the submerged weight of objects that may be carried away by a river is proportional to the sixth power of the river flow speed.” (Wikipedia). We prudently decided to put off the trip until this week.
A week later - portages but no real problems. The Pine flow was only about 30% above normal, making for a nice strong current, which covered a number of the rock obstacles in the section below Peterson.
Changes. In certain stretches, trees and logs had been deposited in jams or on the banks that made the river look unfamiliar. Last week’s flood had even moved the main channel from one side of an island to the other. “Pinball” rapids, already diminished in the 2008 flood, appeared to be further diminished, although it will be hard to tell until the water drops a little further.
Photo of Ian and Fred in Pinball rapid by Jocelyn
Obstacles. We knew there would be blockages, but didn’t know how many or how difficult. We ended up with 6 portages and about as many tight spots that weren’t much of a problem, but caused us to stop to check them out, or saw off a few branches from within the boats.
Photo of Sara sawing by Jocelyn
Difficulties. There weren’t any special difficulties on the water. However, a couple of portages had banks that were slippery or a little steep, but these were managed fairly simply by working together. Fred provided the only unintended wetness with a misguided attempt to cross a half-submerged log by ramming and bunny-hopping. This technique works fine in slow currents, but when a strong current pushes the stern down, it’s another matter. Everyone else had the good sense to portage.
Photo of Fred by Sara
Clearing. A number of trees had fallen across the river and we (Sara being the quickest with a saw) cleared passages. This was somewhat of a token effort because Mark Miltner is planning to clear it soon. And we encountered the Forest Service on the river, winching logs to clear the way. Their use of winches instead of chain saws should be applauded. As much as I like chain saws, the cut ends always look ugly to me.
Trash. We say plenty of trash, including a couple of paddles. The wrecked boats of the unwar yfrom last week had already been removed. It will be a satisfying cleanup.
Conclusion. It was a uniquely enjoyable paddle and we were lucky to get a chance to see it this wa ybefore it was turned back into a highway. Reported by Fred Swartz
For more photos by Sara, Ian & Jocelyn, see separate Photo Page.
Jocelyn over, boat under with Ian assist, photo by Sara
Ian bushwacking between downed tree limbs, photo by Sara
Ian threading the needle between stump & downed tree, photo by Sara