Just a heads up since many aren't aware. The Tieton flip flop started early this year (due to the early and long summer the crops needed the water sooner) and the flow is already over 1000. (last check was around 1100-1200).

So if you've been itching for some of that east side drainage ditch goodness... it's in.

Usually they don't start ramping up flows until a few days before labor day with low but runnable flows for labor day and then peaking 2-3 weeks into September. This year the peak flows could very well be on Labor Day weekend.

Well, basically the sooner they start the sooner the water will run out. I haven't heard much definitiely, but I'd expect levels getting lower the last couple weeks of September this year rather than running into early October, as has happened in the past.

And definitey agree, the more water is pouring down, the more fun it gets. I miss the old days when the peak flows were routinely 2600-2900. Really starts to get some bigwater feel then, but the yard sales including commercial carnage become epic.

The flow currently says 189, are these releases in a certain window?

I'm going to have to disagree with JP here. The tieton is all about the playboat. There are TONS and TONS and TONS of waves for many many miles. There's lots of small surf, wave wheels and goods to be had. The bridge wave is good in a medium flow and gives blunts and great front surfing.

Go check it out. I'd avoid Labor Day weekend cause its a total sh*t show, but otherwise its all good.

Edited by jblum - 25 Aug 2013 at 3:35pm

Haha! Nice descriptions, Dylan- yeah, its all cool just being out on the river. You know I gotta put the plug in for the long boat though- if for no other reason that it is simply a lost art these days. Playboats and that whole approach are a dime a dozen. And that's cool. But there is a whole other dimension when you add speed to the equation that is completely lost on the modern day paddler who only knows short, stubby boats. I just think it would be cool to simply see more longer, faster kayaks on the water. They are a great way to add an incredibly dynamic and fast paced element to class III runs such as the Tieton. I'm talking about catching air without ever slowing down.

As plain as that run is, I was impressed with the velocity present in that riverbed. A longer kayak can tap into that energy in ways that playboats and creekboats simply can't touch. Ampliy that energy and harness that momentum. Redirect it. I'll be honest- without a longer boat on that run I get bored pretty quick.

Anyway, I do plan to make a trip or two out that way. Anyone who has a faster boat who wants to form a longboat posse out there, let me know. I know all kinds of fast dynamic moves down that run that are actually exhilerating. All in a class III setting too. Great way to get a lot of fast paced action without the consequences of "Washington class IV" or class V. Also hones boat control and gets a paddler dialed in for that harder stuff, but in a safer setting.

That's my plug for longer, faster boats.

Hey two questions, I am thinking about taking a trip to the Tieton sunday. Is it hard to hitchhike a shuttle?   Are the parking area's relatively shaded? Don't want to leave my dog at home all day.

Hey Jonathan Blum and Commander Fun- hope you guys don't mind but I consolidated your posts on this thread, because I figure we don't really need two Tieton Threads...

As it turns out, 1,200 CFS is a bit low to send it over the top of High Noon in a raft. Just in case any fellow rubber pushers are wondering.