Above Average Sierra Snowpack Translates to Exciting, Extended California Whitewater Rafting Season

ANGELS CAMP, Calif., April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- James Rodger, California & Oregon Regional Manager for O.A.R.S., stated today: "Water content in the Sierra snowpack is above average—106 percent of normal for this time of year. This bodes well for an exciting and lengthy California whitewater rafting season. We could also see some rather high water on rivers throughout the state this spring."

Last April, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) reading was 81 percent of normal in the Sierra. This year, electronic sensors show northern Sierra snow water equivalents at 126 percent of normal for the date, central Sierra at 92 percent, and southern Sierra at 105 percent. Snowpack water content normally is at its peak on the first of April, although DWR makes a final manual survey on the first of May.

O.A.R.S. officially kicked off its 2010 California commercial rafting season this month with rafting trips on the North Fork and South Fork of the American River as well as on the Tuolumne River near Yosemite National Park.

Recognized by National Geographic Adventure magazine as, "The Best River & Sea Outfitter on Earth," O.A.R.S. has been a leader in the whitewater rafting and adventure travel industry for 40 years. The California-based, eco-conscious organization provides exceptional whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, hiking and multi-sport adventures throughout the western U.S., Canada, Latin America and Fiji.

Steve Markle, O.A.R.S. Marketing and Partnerships Director added; "With a substantial snowpack and the fact that more California residents are seeking active family vacations closer to home, we anticipate a record year for California rafting. We offer trips on nine California rivers including the North Fork of the Stanislaus, Merced, Tuolumne, North Fork of the American, Middle Fork of the American, Upper Klamath, and the California Salmon, as well as the family-friendly South Fork of the American River and the Lower Klamath. Our whitewater trips range from rollicking adventures for thrill-seekers, such as trips on the North Fork of the Stanislaus, to gentle floats suitable for children as young as four years."

Since 1969 O.A.R.S. has set the standard in first-class rafting, sea kayaking, hiking and multi-sport vacations, with destinations and unparalleled experiences on over 35 rivers and coastlines of the world.  O.A.R.S. caters to active travelers of all ages and abilities with more than 75 unique itineraries worldwide, including one-day and weekend escapes.  For more information on O.A.R.S. eco-friendly adventures, including a free color catalog, call O.A.R.S. at 1-800-346-6277, email the company at [email protected] or visit www.oars.com.

SOURCE O.A.R.S.