Is the Middle Fork of the Salmon Still Blocked?

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River, located in central Idaho is one of the most iconic and coveted multi-day whitewater rafting trips in the world. Flowing through the heart of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness this wild and scenic river offers incredible scenery, excellent fishing, and thrilling rapids along its 100+ mile course.

In August 2022, there was a major debris flow on the Middle Fork that completely blocked the entire river and created huge challenges for rafters and outfitters Massive amounts of rocks, logs, and sediment entered the river from Ramshorn Creek after heavy rains in the area burned in the 2021 Boundary Fire

The debris flow formed major logjams that made the upper stretch of the river above the tributary Indian Creek totally impassable to rafts and drift boats. This forced outfitters to abandon put-ins at Boundary Creek and instead fly customers into alternate launch points farther downstream using backcountry air services.

Nearly a year later as the 2023 rafting season approaches, many are wondering – is the Middle Fork Salmon still blocked by the debris flow? Will the logjams prevent running the full length of river this summer?

Current Status of the Middle Fork Salmon Blockage

According to recent reports from the U.S. Forest Service as of February 2023, the major logjams that occurred between Ramshorn Creek and Velvet Falls rapid were still not cleared. The debris flow is still there, so rafts cannot get through the upper part of the river above Indian Creek.

However, the Middle Fork Outfitters Association remains optimistic that high spring runoff levels this year could potentially clear the worst of the debris before the summer season starts. The outfitters recognize that the blockage is a natural event that occurs periodically on wilderness rivers like the Middle Fork.

Outfitters plan to closely monitor conditions on the river during spring runoff. If flows are high enough to clear the worst of the debris, Boundary Creek may again be usable as a launch point this summer. However, there is also the possibility that outfitters could again be forced to bypass Boundary and fly customers into alternate launches farther downstream if the blockage persists.

Impacts on 2023 Middle Fork Rafting Season

While the debris flow creates uncertainty about exactly how much of the upper river will be accessible this summer, outfitters don’t expect it will lead to major disruptions for scheduled Middle Fork Salmon rafting trips in 2023.

If necessary, outfitters can adjust launch points and shorten trip lengths slightly to avoid any areas still blocked by the debris flow. For example, flying customers into Indian Creek instead of Boundary Creek would result in missing just the first 20 miles of the river’s total 104 mile length. The majority of the Middle Fork’s rapids and prized wilderness scenery would still be accessible.

There are also several infrastructure construction projects planned in the area that could cause delays or closures to Middle Fork access roads and trails in 2023. Outfitters are working closely with the U.S. Forest Service to stay updated on any temporary closures that could impact launches or takeouts this season.

However, outfitters emphasize that brief road delays are normal when operating in remote wilderness areas. With advance notice and some schedule adjustments, they anticipate still being able to successfully operate full Middle Fork Salmon rafting trips this summer using alternate launch points if needed.

Long-Term Outlook for the Middle Fork Salmon

Even though this major debris flow was very destructive, it is a natural occurrence that happens periodically on free-flowing wild rivers with large tributaries flowing down steep, fire-prone slopes. Guides believe the Middle Fork will continue being a premier rafting destination for many years to come.

Past natural blockages have happened multiple times on the Middle Fork, with previous logjams clearing once adequate high water arrives. Outfitters are confident the river will once again return to normal flow in time. Future spring floods will gradually redistribute sediments and logs, allowing the ecosystem to re-stabilize.

However, climate change will likely make large fires and subsequent debris flows more common in coming decades on the Middle Fork Salmon and other Western rivers. Outfitters operating in wilderness will need to remain adaptable and adjust to changing conditions as similar events occur in the future.

The Forest Service currently has no plans to actively remove the Middle Fork debris flow, as that would conflict with wilderness management principles. The river will be left to naturally redistribute and reshape the debris over time. Future rafting seasons may see temporary modifications to trip lengths or launch points as the river slowly resets itself after the debris flow.

Key Takeaways:

• As of early 2023, major logjams still block the upper section of Idaho’s Middle Fork Salmon above Indian Creek.

• Outfitters are hopeful spring runoff could clear the worst debris before summer rafting season.

• Some adjustments to launch points may be needed, but full Middle Fork trips are still expected this summer.

• Periodic natural debris flows are normal events for wilderness rivers that will correct over time.

• Climate change may increase frequency of fires and debris flows on Western rivers in the future.

• Outfitters will adapt launch points and trip logistics as needed in response to changing conditions.

• The Middle Fork Salmon remains a legendary whitewater rafting experience. With flexible planning and minor adjustments, outfitters expect to offer world-class trips down this wild river for many years to come. The debris flow causes short-term disruptions, but the Middle Fork’s incredible wilderness qualities will continue attracting rafters from across the globe each summer.