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Show v - ... - I v.. . - -5 - ' i " C- ... ... UTAH POWER & LIGHT employees attempt at-tempt to retrieve a fallen tower which caused a brief power outage in the Uin tah Basin Sunday. The tower fell after Ashley Creek flooded its banks. Water released from the penstocks and two river outlet tubes is now at 8200 cubic feet per second (cfs) and will most probably remain at this level through June. Normally, high summer flows are near 4,000 cfs. The river is now flowing at greatly increased speed, which decreases maneuvering time and complicates escape from the water if one should capsize. Rafts are strongly recommended recom-mended and canoes are discouraged because of current conditions. About half of the current flow is being be-ing released through river outlet tubes , y r - .' . . r t ' , , -. -y ' ' . . ' - - - - ; ' , -''. r 't . -v. - . , -4 v ' ' ; -... . j j ' A-- N--' : " ' v ' SAND BAGS are lifted into a pickup truck to be placed around homes along 2500 West to keep back Ashley Creek. Although Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam has doubled in size Those expecting the same familiar :i of the Green River, below Flam-ig Flam-ig Gorge Dam. are due for a surprise, ffiter flow into the river below the dam has been increased to 8200 cubic per second. Water in the reservoir v-.i been rising as warm temperatures, melting snow and ten' rains continue. All roads and a:es leading to the river are still ocea. but Area Ranger Bob Meinrod potential rafters to be aware of nver safety measures before tackling 4e river. ; Sace the dam was completed, five drownings have occurred on the river between the dam and Brown's Park. In each case, the victim was without a life jacket. Anyone planning on rafting raf-ting the Green can help to prevent tragedy by following these three Utah requirements: 1. ) Each person on board must properly pro-perly wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket; 2. ) Each craft must carry an extra paddle or oar in case of breakage or loss; 3. ) Each craft must carry a bailing device of at least one gallon capacity. which have no temperature control capabilities. Therefore, the river temperature has dropped to 42 degrees fahrenheit versus the usual 55 degrees. In water of this temperature, hypothermia develops quickly. Inexperienced rafters should be well-advised of all the potential dangers on the river, from the dam to Brown's Park. Faster water speeds and colder temperatures have changed chang-ed the character of the river, making it unfamiliar territory to many. Area Ranger Mienrod emphasized the risks associated with taking small children most sand bags didn't get wet, county officials of-ficials advise that it is a good precaution. on the river under present conditions. For fishermen, the higher water level has covered the Little Hole Trail up to 3 feet at some spots, making mak-ing travel difficult and hazardous. With muddy water, one could step off the water-covered trail into deeper water. Those wearing hip boots or waders should exercise extreme care. Those wishing to fish the Green River from the upstream end are advised ad-vised to use the upper parking lot and raft inflation area trailhead. This access ac-cess will bypass the lower water- covered portion of the trail and provide pro-vide access to about one mile of the river-side trail which is not flooded. The view at the dam is quite spectacular! spec-tacular! The powerful display of water coming from the river outlet tubes is something all should see. Be sure and bring a camera. The river is neither friend or foe; it is indifferent. Make the river a friend by knowing your skills and your craft, and by practicing water safety. Most important, be prepared, know what to expect, and have a safe and fun river trip. |