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From-the-boat view of an oarsman in a blue jacket and cream cowboy hat rowing a wooden dory into a churning whitewater rapid between dark schist canyon walls, with a second boat just ahead in the froth. 39.086333422533805°N 109.10124175075323°W Nov 3–4, 2023
Trip November 3–4, 2023
Flow 4,570 cfs
Weather 24–66°F · Water 45°F avg (USGS)
Boats 1
Trip Report

Westwater CanyonNovember 2023

A two-day November 2023 Westwater dory trip at 4,570 cfs with a bike shuttle — late-season black-granite canyon, cold air, empty river, Skull running technical rather than hydraulic. A shoulder-season pattern we repeat most years for exactly these conditions.

Day 1

Day 1 — Launch & Camp at Marble Canyon

November 3, 2023

4,570 cfs (USGS daily mean), water 45°F | Moab, UT: 24–56°F

Day 2

Day 2 — Take Out

November 4, 2023

4,570 cfs (USGS daily mean), water 46°F | Moab, UT: 25–66°F

Lessons
  • Marble Canyon mouth (river left) is a great camp spot
  • Bike shuttle works well for Westwater
  • November Westwater is viable — great weather possible
Gear

Dory. First time using the Insta360 camera on a river trip.

Data

Flow: USGS Colorado River near Cisco, UT (09180500), 4,570–4,570 cfs daily mean.

Weather: Moab, UT, 24–66°F. NOAA GHCN-Daily