If you look up the Buffalo Creek rapid on YouTube, you’ll see videos rafters have filmed with their GoPro cameras. It’s a popular class five rapid on the South Fork.
But Susan Blake of the Boise National Forest says that rapid is especially dangerous this year, because of mud slides and rock deposits that have changed the course of the river. It’s been almost a month since a man died rafting that stretch of whitewater.
Elmore County officials reached out to the Forest Service to get the word out about these dangers. The county leads search and rescue efforts along that part of the Boise River.
“Trying to get people just to prepare and go out there with the knowledge that this is a possibility, how can I mitigate this?" says Blake. "Maybe go someplace that’s not as challenging.”
Blake says even for experienced rafters, a recently updated trail by the river is a good option to portage around the Buffalo Creek rapid, and get back to the river safely and quickly.
Find reporter Frankie Barnhill on Twitter @FABarnhill
Copyright 2016 Boise State Public Radio
