Bryson White believes a flow schedule for the Black Canyon portion of the Bear River has allowed more area expert kayakers to take advantage of that stretch of river.

    When kayaking enthusiast are typically at the whim of flow heights and unpredictable spring run-off, an agreement between PacifiCorp and the American Whitewater Association scheduled designated flows for a period of time between 2012 through 2014 in the Black Canyon area. PacifiCorp that has a dam in Grace that pours into that stretch of river.

    The schedule has made it so kayakers can paddle through the Class IV and Class V rapids found within the remote canyon. The scheduling and cooperation also make the Black Canyon of the Bear River Whitewater Festival possible, which was hosted in 2010 and in April of this year. The remaining scheduled flows for Black Canyon are, today, May 18, and 19 and June 1-2.

    White, who is an avid kayaker and co-director of the festival, said the region, including Eastern Idaho, Western Wyoming and Northern Utah can be dry. When the flows aren't in Black Canyon for boaters, the areas is utilized by fishermen.

    "People used to do it a lot more back in the day," White said of kayakers prior to scheduled flows in the late 2000s and the current agreement. "Everyone has always kept an eye on it. It would still run occasionally if there was a good snow pack and a good runoff (and) because the plant can only take so much water. People would run it from time to time and it was really unpredictable. ... The fact that they've scheduled these out in advance that makes it happen for people to plan around it."

    PacifiCorp monitors the water levels for the Bear River and post the information on it's website (http://www.pacificorp.com/es/hydro/hl/wr/br.html) levels measured included the area of Black Canyon and the Oneida Narrows, below the Oneida Dam. Levels can also be accessed by calling 800-547-1501.

    White, who's been kayaking for about eight years, has experience as a river guide, having gained experience in Jackson Hole, Wyo., and guiding along the Snake and Salmon rivers. He said it's always a good idea for people to be proficient in kayaking before taking on expert level runs. He's a proponent of beginners taking classes and kayaking clinics to learn the basics and gain experience. He also suggest people find local learning trips with experienced paddlers to experience how to keep their head above water.

    "There are a lot of people who want to get into the sport and they get in over their heads," he said. "As a public service, it's nice to know where to learn river safety and probably kayaking ... so you don't get into trouble."

    The American Whitewater Association's website provides information about routes and information on stretches of river (www.americanwhitewater.org).

    White said accessing the information will help people determine where to "put in" and where to pull out of the river to ensure an enjoyable excursion and to also avoid treacherous waters.

    "There are a lot of great stretches of the Bear River," White said. "The Onieda Narrows is lot more a friendly beginner stretch. It's a great place to kind of go learn the ropes of paddling. (There are also) stretches along the Portneuf (River). The important thing you need to know is what section you're going on.”

    Some stretchers are tame enough to ride in an inter tube. "Find out about the river and the difficulty of that section and there are usually a lot of opportunities out there."

    More information about the Black Canyon kayakers festival can be found online at www.blackcanyonwhitewaterfest.org.