I thought that 2009 saw a huge spring run off, but during this year of 2011 it may be even higher. Here’s hoping melting continues to be gradual to control the possibility of flooding. We love showing off our area (how many times have I written that?) and we never tire of taking visitors to see the sights. Something always looks different from any other time we have been there. At this time of the year many of the usual places we show off are even more exciting.
John and I, like everyone else in town, check out the levels and the speed of the current of the North Thompson and Clearwater Rivers, looking at various bridges and natural landmarks like islands that come and go, and branches of trees now sweeping through the water. All year long we watch the merging of the colours of the creeks entering these larger rivers and the distance it takes for blending to be complete. Brookfield Creek near us is almost a torrent in the spring. Recently when I was walking my usual lane loop in Sunshine Valley, I thought traffic was approaching. It was the creek, much louder than usual.
Up in Wells Gray Park, so much is happening. At Spahats, water from the “invisible” upper falls splashes out far enough to be seen on its way down, as well as the usual whirlpool, before it takes its next long plunge. From the base of the falls, Spahats Creek is white and foaming all the way to the Clearwater River.
When we stood beside Dawson Falls, the power of the water of Murtle River rushing over that edge was mesmerizing. Crossing the river next on the Bailey bridge, we noted that the boiling display of the Mushbowl was practically level across the rocks, rather than a drop-off down and underneath us. As we walked over to view that water’s next “adventure” at Helmcken Falls, we could feel the vibration all around us. The sight of so much water making that long drop was spectacular and awe-inspiring. I stood listening and could differentiate individual splashes from the steady roar. Spray flew upwards in all directions and we realized we were observing the carving away of the cave, in miniscule amounts presumably, but on-going as it has been over the centuries, slowly but surely cutting back, thus lengthening the canyon.
At the southern end of Clearwater Lake, the water is so deep that Osprey Falls are almost non-existent! A small amount of spray marks the spot. Boating on that lake is hazardous because of the amount of debris - large, small, even mossy old trunks that are not usually swept away had us all keeping our eyes wide open. When a wind came up, spotting prospective propeller-killers was even more difficult.
Closer to town some of us have hiked into the Kettle from the Clearwater River road. It felt so powerful in its rush downwards through that narrowed space that I was actually shaking. Huge waves crashed and curled. On the far side, logs were trapped by the curvature: turbulent water circling them around and round. The name Kettle is so appropriate for the way the water “boils” within, no matter what time of year it is.
These scenes are repeated in many places across the continent; we are so lucky that for us it is something awesome to witness - not a danger. We hope that will not change in the coming weeks for those downstream from here.