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scottharding
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Posted: Mar 23, 2017 Post Subject: Large tree in main flow of Freight Train (Salmon River)
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As of mid March 2017, there is a large tree in main flow of Freight Train. It can be seen easily from the road overlook but would catch a paddler by complete surprise if they did not scout. It extends fully into the main line and fastest current. It is probably unavoidable for rafts and is a significant obstacle for kayaks to avoid as well, especially at higher flows.
It's hard not to imagine this tree getting stuck in rapids downriver as it moves through the system. So, if it isn't in Freight Train, look for it in downstream rapids.
Photo taken at 9000 cfs on gauge.
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scottharding
Member
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| Posted: Mar 25, 2017Post Subject: Map of known hazards on the Salmon River
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I make no claims to this being 100% accurate or updated to the latest conditions but here is a map of known hazards on the Salmon River and its forks. Use this as one piece of information but don't substitute for your own vigilance, skill, scouting, and decision-making.
Salmon River hazards map
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scottharding
Member
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| Posted: Apr 16, 2017Post Subject: Potentially deadly tree still blocking Freight Train
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This tree is still there and won't be likely to leave on its own, so consider it a potentially deadly hazard for the remainder of the boating season when it can be safely cut out. It has locked into place more tightly in the last month, having arrived in its place on March 10 when it was pushed into the river a half mile upstream as a freshly cut 28" diameter, 100 foot tall Douglas fir. Yep.
Worse, it can't be seen from river level at the top of the rapid, so an unknowing paddler would be on a collision course before they even knew the tree was there. It is covered in sharp, broken limb stobs and at 4000 cfs it has a foot thick veneer of water covering the part in the main line. A foolish paddler may be tempted to go for it anyways and hope for the best. The portage is fairly easy for kayaks and rather difficult for rafts.
Please spread the word and scout this rapid from the road and river level. Beware that Last Chance flows quickly into Freight Train and swimmers and boats tipped in Last Chance stand a good chance of going into Freight Train and this tree.
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scottharding
Member
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| Posted: May 9, 2017Post Subject: Freight Train now clear of large tree (May 9, 2017)
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| The large tree in Freight Train was cut on April 28, 2017 and moved out of the way in the rapid. High water peaking on May 3, 2017 removed the tree from the rapid entirely and it's present location is unknown, although paddlers report that it is not in the downstream Butler section of the river.
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