North Cascades River Expeditions
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Fleming Channel
The far left channel, called the "Fleming
Channel" by North Cascades, must be avoided. The Fleming Channel pulls the raft into
a tall, triangular boulder.
At levels from 2500 to 4500, a raft will most likely
flip here. Above 4500 cfs, the boulder can be high-sided to avoid a flip. As this photo
shows the Skykomish at 7500 cfs on the Gold Bar gauge, a good high-side will work.
No one chooses the Fleming Channel. The Channel
claims only those whose navigational skills cannot be considered adequate for this rapid.
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Center
The center channel looks, and is, easy at this water
level. In fact, above 5000 cfs, this entry rarely causes trouble.
But watch out for this drop at lower levels,
especially between 2800 and 3500 cfs. A wicked hydraulic occupies the very center of the
entry. Richly deserving of the name "pour-over", this hole produces lots of
swimmers. You must avoid this hole while drifting straight toward it. At the last second
or two, the front of the raft should be powered past the brink of the hole to the
left side. This allows the river to pull the raft safely away from this nasty obstacle. |
Swimming Tips:
1. Breathe only when you can see the
sky. You will spend quality time totally submerged. Do not fear this repeated dunking. You
will be just fine if you let the adrenaline still the pain of the cold water, as you turn
your mind to strategic breathing.
2. Only attempt to swim aggressively when good rescue opportunities present themselves.
Your best chance of rescue will be to get back into the raft. Go for it if you have a good
chance.
3. Be sure to use good safety fundamentals when going over large drops. Float on your back
with your feet downstream. When you come to the lip of a drop, curl into a ball. At the
bottom of the drop will be a deep hole that will submerge you for a few seconds.
Typically, you will then wash out well downstream of the hydraulic.
4. Holes rarely trap bodies. Some holes on the Skykomish can do so at certain water
levels. You need to understand how to swim out of a hole. Dive down to the bottom of the
river once you realize you are trapped. Current always exists below a hole, usually at the
bottom. Once you hit the current, the river will carry you safely beyond the borders of
the hole.
5. Avoid panic.
6. Special instructions for swimmers in the Fleming Channel:
If you are swimming as a result of your raft blundering into the Fleming Channel, you are
in danger of entrapment in the maze of large boulders that dot the left side of the entry.
Keep your feet up and take advantage of any opportunity to climb out of the river. If you
climb onto a rock in the middle of the river, wait there until help arrives.
| Home | 10 River Trips | Schedule | FAQ | Prices | Upcoming
Trips |
| How to Dress | Related Webs | Guide Training | Responsibility |
North Cascades River Expeditions
PO Box 116
Arlington, Wa 98223
360-435-9548 fax 360-435-0796
Toll Free: 1-800-634-8433
email: rafting@cftinet.com
Copyright 1997-2007, North Cascades
River Expeditions, inc. All rights reserved.