Whitewater Rafting Companies Expect Business To Boom, Even In California's Drought
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Whitewater rafting companies on the American River are expecting business to boom this summer, despite California's drought.
It's not the Colorado River, but in a good season, the American River can deliver.
Two harsh summers have depleted the water to the point that new lows are set on a regular basis.
But there's good news—the river is about to flow really fast. And it's not in spite of the drought; it may be because of it.
Arnie Chandola of American Whitewater Expeditions has become an expert on this topic. His company outfits rafters and takes them 20 miles downstream. He knows what it takes to get what he calls "raftable" rapids.
The dams control the river.
It's all thanks to a new federal license where utility companies are allowed to open up the dams at the top.
Nat Rangel helped seal the deal. He says companies like Sacramento Municipal Utility District, and Pacific Gas & Electric use the reservoirs to generate electricity throughout Northern California.
"To ensure not only are they generating electricity but they're taking care of the resource and they're providing water for recreational uses like water boating," he said.