On the River: Damned if You Don't: Raw and Rugged Diamond Fork River

There was a day, not so long ago, that the Diamond Fork River was to become a reservoir. We in Utah live in the 3rd most arid state in the union. Water is a very important commodity for civilization to exist. The multi-decade long plan to build a dam was revisited and it was decided that for an extra 15 million dollars there would be a series of tunnels built to manage the precious water coming out of the Diamond Fork Canyon. Before the tunnels, fishing was seasonably difficult. Often the water would run so high that it created a swift running mud channel that was difficult to fish. You can still witness this at times of periodic flash flooding that naturally occur in this area from time to time. With the exception of flash flooding the river is much more constant than it ever has been. I have been kayaking the river for the last few years and find it to be exceptionally fun with all it's challenges.

Some of the challenges that exist:

Shallow water is always fun. You will have to read the river and be ready to make quick decisions. Sometimes, the best decision means getting somewhat bushwhacked because the best portage is next to the bank of the river. Here is a little video of me navigating my niece through a difficult section. She has no appreciation for the skill.....LOL.

Fallen trees, logs, and other debris can be somewhat challenging. The ability to stop in a pillow and assess the situation will be needed, even if you do decide to hop over the log. You need the ability to stop. Check your skills:

Without management this area would be inundated with beaver dams. I have found traps on occasion and turn them in with the camp hosts where the beaver are often removed. Consequently, the beaver will move further up river and propagate. If you watched the second video you will see where the nice beaver left us a way to get through his dam. Very thoughtful. :)