The main reservoir release gate will be increased from 625 cfs to 650, and the fish hatchery will remain at 5 cfs today, Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
First, as we go about our day today, let’s reflect upon and celebrate “Juneteenth”, a holiday of freedom, hope, and new beginnings that originates from June 19, 1865 when the last enslaved Black Americans were freed in Galveston, Texas, more than two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln.
RPP: Sixx is/was surfable this morning but will be better surfed by a board on the larger size, though surf what works for you making fun turns on a mellow Sixx.
When the extra 25cfs eventually fills in by this afternoon, Sixx will likely be flushed out and harder to surf (if surfable at all). Check the Sixx cam link here that updates still pics every 15 minute daily until 7pm for evidence of a wave face instead of a whitewater hole- https://www.senserasystems.com/public/embed/3M7824646H83
Good new is, “Big Benni’s” will be surfable and fun all day. Go dial that wave in!!!
Chiclets will be crumbly and might remain surfable for bigger boards and bodyboards. No guarantees.
Even though it is RRP, keep an eye on each other surfing and coming off the wave during these higher flows, especially in the circulating dead zone areas off to the corners of the waves that can be hard to swim out of. If caught in a dead zone, keep calm and swim briskly toward the center of the wave to be carried by the wave train current down river away from the dead zone. If you see someone stuck in the dead zone, keep an eye on them and toss your board to them if they need a bit of floatation to get to the wave train exiting the dead zone.
Golden: Cold fun surf should continue at Bingo Wave. Go with someone who has that wave figured out to show you the safe way to surf it. When in doubt, don’t go out, Clear Creek is not an easy river to surf at these higher flows.
Scout Wave (Salida): Yesterday the wave was surfed by a very able crew. Wave looks the same today…. Out of full disclosure and transparency; leashes are needed to surf Scout at this very high flow…. I’m not a fan of leashes so I will be skipping surfing it on two legs (aka on a surfboard). Sure wish the industry would figure out a properly tested QR leash that has a self-releasing failsafe backup to it.
Pueblo: The levee waves 3 & 4 (they actually painted the numbers on the levee to properly identify those waves) are surfable. P-towns new wave at City Park is a mystery (can somebody please send me pics of that wave from multiple views??)
The entire state has surf. Be smart if you are traveling and think a spot might be surfable. High flows can dramatically change waves you have safely surfed before. Approach any river wave with caution and scope it out before attempting, including watching others surfing it before you jump in. Ask for tips and if somebody asks you for a tip, don’t be that kook who doesn’t help out to make sure people are going to be safe.
Have fun surfing but be aware and cautious.
LBK
The Denver Surf Report 