BOISE, Idaho — Boise River floaters may be able to inflate their floats for the 2024 float season by late June, but only if river flows are considered safe, hazardous materials are removed and the weather forecast aligns, according to Float the Boise.
In collaboration with Ada County Parks and Waterways, Boise Parks and Recreation and Boise Fire, Float the Boise monitors the Boise River to predict a float season opening date to ensure recreationists can safely float or chill in the Boise River as soon as possible; and the organization said Wednesday that the season may begin sooner than originally expected.
Float the Boise said the season could begin at the same time as the start of the first official day of summer, which is on June 20. However, as of late May, emergency responders and partner organizations said the river is not yet safe for people to get in and ask that the community be patient and wait just a little while longer until conditions improve.
Boise Fire said river flows were deemed hazardous, as the cold and fast-moving water still poses "significant risks."
"We understand the excitement and eagerness to float the Boise River, but it's crucial to wait until the conditions are right and hazard mitigation can be completed," said Boise Fire Dive Captain Scott Hall. "The dive team will continue to monitor the river for downed trees and other hazards as we approach the opening of float season and will remove them as necessary."
On May 22, the river flow was recorded at over 1,500 cubic feet per second. The preferred flow for safely floating the river is between 500 and 1,500 cubic feet per second, according to Float the Boise. The organization said the average opening date over the past 23 years is June 25 with an average flow of 1,130 cubic feet per second.
The Boise River's six-mile float route travels from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park.
In preparation for floating season, Boise Fire will be removing debris, downed limbs and trees, among other various hazardous materials that that can be harmful to floaters.
"This is always an exciting time of year and our team is hard at work in Barber Park preparing for the upcoming float season," said Ada County Parks & Waterways Director Scott Koberg. "We have some great community partnerships and we're all aware that floating the Boise River is on the shortlist of summer adventures, so we all do our part to create a positive experience for park visitors and floaters."
Find more information about opening dates and float rules and regulations on Float the Boise website here.
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