Season
fall
Launch
8-31-2021
Flow
2,800 cfs
Water
73°F avg
(USGS)
(USGS)
Weather
63–91°F, trace rain
Takeout
9-1-2021
Conditions
2,800 CFS — low water, Skull Rapid razor rock exposed
2
days
2,800
cfs
15
ft/mi
1
boats
Day 1
8-31-2021
Day 1
2,640 cfs (USGS daily mean), water 73°F | Thompson, UT: 61–91°F, 0.04in precip
Day 2
9-1-2021
Day 2
3,050 cfs (USGS daily mean), water 73°F | Thompson, UT: 59–65°F, 0.56in precip
Lessons
- At 2,800 CFS Skull Rapid is runnable in a dory but razor rock is fully exposed
- The move: catch the eddy above razor on river left (same left move as higher water), then time the eddy spin to miss razor to the left
- Entering the eddy too high forces a counter-spin that brings you closer to razor than ideal
- Confidence in the eddy spin result is key — Lop's line looked committed but produced the cleanest run
- Pack light for low water — no camp gear outside personal gear and sleep kit keeps the boat nimble
- Would go back at this water level — the run is worth it
Gear
Dory packed light — no camp gear, personal gear and sleep kits only
Data
Flow: USGS Colorado near Cisco (09180500), 2,640–3,050 cfs daily mean.
Weather: Moab, UT, 63–91°F, 0.48in precip. NOAA GHCN-Daily
Explore
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spring · 9,800cfs
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Cataract Canyon — May 2022
summer · 32,890cfs
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spring · 12,000cfs
Moab Daily — May 2020 (Cinco de Mayo, Dropping Flows)
spring · 33,800cfs
Professor Valley — May 2023 (34,700 CFS, High Water)
summer · 22,000cfs
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