Fasten loose objects

Earlier this week, when weather predictions were calling for a heat wave in Southwest Colorado, it appeared this weekend’s Animas River Days was going to be spicy.

But alas, the “back-door monsoons” have returned, along with cool temperatures, which should keep the Animas River at bay (though flows are still expected to be in the 4,000 cfs range, a formidable level that should be taken seriously).

“We were pretty happy to see that cool weather move in,” Ashleigh Tucker, an organizer of Animas River Days, said. “It’ll still be high water, but it won’t be massive.”

Animas River Days kicks off Saturday, with a full day of canoe/kayak/raft slaloms, SUP races, boatercross and surfing competitions (lineup at animasriverdays.com). There will also be a beer garden and food options.

And of course, starting at 4:30 p.m., the infamous River Parade.

Speaking of which ­­– is it just us, or has there been a lot more carnage on the Animas this year? Whether it’s all the new boaters experiencing high water for the first time, or perhaps just more people posting to social media, it sure seems like it’s always a scene down at the Whitewater Park.

Tucker added that a lot of the carnage could be due to the fact this is only the second or third time we’ve seen true high water since the City of Durango altered the top section of the Whitewater Park a few years ago.

The city’s alterations essentially created a series of drops river runners must navigate before the rapids at the Whitewater Park (it’s a long story, but the alterations were necessary to direct more water into the City’s water intake above Smelter). However, the new drops can flip unwary boaters, leading to long and cold swims through the Whitewater Park.

“I think those top drops are causing a lot of problems, which is causing more carnage,” Tucker said.

It’ll at least make for interesting viewing Saturday.

As for Sunday’s entertainment, Tucker said organizers added more events, including bringing back the wild water kayak race, which is a classic event from early years of river days. And yes, the beer garden will be at the ready with breakfast beers and cocktails. Tucker said the event is also looking for more volunteers.

Happy (and safe) riverin’.