Utah's high-riding rivers are finally letting up.
The
U.S. Geological Survey says most in the state are slowing down after a spring when
near-record snowpack filled the state's rivers with icy, roiling water.
The high water produced the best season in years for river tour companies and kept rescuers busy at one of Utah's most adventurous areas.
Unlike previous years when snow melted quickly, this year's cool spring and sporadic warm spells stretched out the melting process in much of Utah.
Many rivers around the state are still flowing at above-average heights, drawing out prime conditions for rafters, kayakers and boaters. Tour companies said it's welcome relief from previous drought years.
"To have high water and to have it sustained for this long, it's been a long time," said Vicki Mackay of Colorado River and Trail Expeditions in Salt Lake City. "We're celebrating for sure."
One of the diciest spots, though, has been Cataract Canyon in Canyonlands National Park, not far from where the Green River joins the Colorado before thundering over 28 sets of rapids.
A few weeks ago, flow exceeded 50,000 cubic feet per second in the canyon.