Ice Report

So the big melt over the weekend had some interesting results...
(below: connecticut river at sumner's falls)

As of today (Tuesday 3-8-11) the whitewater run on the White River is mostly flushed of static ice. The Sharon dam wave is at a decent level... BUT one would be playboating in a slush puppy today. There is a lot of floating ice and slush coming down the river still. The river is runnable in a downriver capacity for an experienced boater, but not much fun for surfing. The good news is that this floating ice should clear out soon and we should have a long season for the Sharon dam waves! Of course, accessing that playspot can take a lot of work when the ice-out created what is effectively an ice gorge for the river to flow through. But that won't deter you die-hards!

More good news: Quechee Gorge is free of major static ice and floating ice for now, and the Well Enough Wave is running! Downside is the hike through the snow on either end of a session and the fact that the pond upstream of the dam is still covered with ice. Do not run the gorge at this time if the river is rising. The chance of getting crushed under the ice-out from the pond upstream is not worth taking. However, if levels are steady or dropping, you're probably good to go. For instance, today: probably good to go.

The Mascoma River is ice free in places, and not in others. The excelsior hole on the mascoma is clear and running well. This is another one to watch for ice-flows while surfing as it is doubtful that everything upstream is cleared yet.

Interesting news on the Connecticut River and Sumner's Falls, aka Hartlands, home to the Sign Wave, Main Drag Wave and other lesser known playspots. Apparently when all the ice was careening down the White River, it did not manage to break the major ice dam downstream of Hartlands. As such we have miles upon miles of ice jam backing up above Hartlands and now frozen in place at about the floodstage level. It's pretty amazing to see, but not terribly well suited for the average surfer. Hartlands will have to wait for some warmer weather & more water.

Until then, enjoy what we've got! Early season Sharon Dam and Quechee! Shalom.