Tahoe River Rafting Blog by Mountain Air Sports: (888) 584-RAFT

CLOSED FOR 2011 SEASON

2011-09-07T06:19:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for rafting with us this summer. This was our shortest season ever... one month!

Now, we are hoping for a better 2012 summer season.

If you did raft with us this year and you had a fun experience...we would truly appreciate a kind comment on yelp, trip advisor or other sites. We try very hard to make your trip a memorable one and welcome any ideas to improve your "Truckee River Rafting-Mountain Air Sports" experience.

Once again, thank you all and hope to see you in 2012,

UPDATE: SEPT. 5, 2011 MONDAY

2011-09-05T06:31:00.000-07:00

Our rafting season is starting to slow down. We've been told by the watermasters office in Reno that they'll be lowering the water flow to 200cfs tomorrow. We've been holding at about 250cfs for the last 30 days or so. We hoped for about 300cfs but they just couldn't squeeze out that extra 50cfs! As you remember, we opened at a very low 160cfs...300cfs is perfect.

So we'll wait to see how Tuesday will be... but it looks like tomorrow will be the end of our season.

UPDATE: August 9, 2011 Late night!

2011-08-09T22:47:00.000-07:00

The river flows are now at 250cfs!!! Remember, 300cfs is perfect! So we are almost there...

Our internet online reservation system is being updated and hopefully will be up and running very soon. Please call us at (888) 584-7238 or (530) 583-1111 for reservations.

Sorry for the inconvenience, thanks again for everyone's support, Ryan

SUNDAY NIGHT UPDATE: August 7, 2011

2011-08-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

Today seemed to be a typical August Sunday. Nice and mellow with a few wild groups. Seems like Sundays and Mondays are a transition day for visitors. So our numbers are a little lower than other days of the week.

We had another slight rise in water levels... now we are right about 210cfs. We're getting a bit closer to the perfect 300cfs. We're grateful for every cfs we can get! (cfs is cubic feet per second)

More updates later, Ryan

SATURDAY NIGHT UPDATE: AUG. 6, 2011

2011-08-06T22:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a busy day on the river!

WATER LEVEL IS NOW AT 195cfs! That's half way between the lowest and moderate rafting levels or on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the best, I'd say about a 4

It's nice to see more than a "trickle down the Truckee"

UPDATE: August 5, 2011 11:45p.m.

2011-08-05T23:25:00.001-07:00

We'd like to thank everyone who came rafting today for our opening season day on the river!

I hope our staff was helpful and friendly and you were treated with the highest respect.

We're anticipating another boost in water levels tomorrow morning...making the trip more enjoyable.

Thanks again for a surprisingly pleasant opening day! Ryan

NOW OPEN FOR THE SUMMER!!!

2011-08-04T22:42:00.000-07:00

August 4, 2011 update

We have decided to open with limited rafting for Friday (August 5th). The Watermaster's office in Reno has started to release more water from our Tahoe City Dam into the Truckee River. The flows are low at this time, but they are increasing each day. Today the flow was 117cfs which is too low. Tomorrow, hopefully, we'll see an increase to the mid 150's. Still a low flow, but high enough for 2-4 people in each raft. ( 2 adults and 2 children or 2-3 adults) Really depends on how much weight there will be in the raft.

We want everyone to have fun so we don't want to overload the rafts. Should be nice weather... bring some snacks and something to drink. Remember - no styrofoam and no glass! Please footwear is a must!

Call ahead to make a reservation to save $5 off each person and little ones 5 and under are free!

OUR NEW EASY PHONE NUMBER IS (530) 583-1111 or online www.tahoetruckeerafting.com

Can't wait to see everyone!!! It's been a long wait and thanks for all your support

REMEMBER...LOOK FOR OUR BRIGHT YELLOW UMBRELLAS AT OUR ENTRANCE IN TAHOE CITY AND OUR NOW VERY FAMOUS "RIVERMAN" (he's cool)

NEW PRICE FOR KIDS 5 YEARS AND UNDER!

2011-08-03T13:55:00.000-07:00

When you make an advance reservation, kids 5 and under are FREE!!!!

2011-08-02T07:15:00.000-07:00

UPDATE... AUGUST 2, 2011

I'm sorry everyone. My hopes to have a full summer season this year have been crushed. As each day passes with a non-raftable river, our staff feels more and more disappointed. Our spirits are low. We see the Truckee River trickle by our starting dock and all ask the the question...why is the river not higher?

With our country so desperate to work and repair our economy, and the words from our government leaders saying "put Americans to work", you just have to wonder why there isn't more the Federal Watermaster in Reno can do. I know they're "following a federal mandate to the letter of the law", but come on!

You would think there could be some way to boost our economy and figure out how to increase the flows from the Tahoe City dam so that the rafting businesses could open. Both rafting companies in Tahoe City employ about 150 people. There are many other businesses that benefit from people enjoying the river too. Isn't there a simpler way besides going through the Federal court system and changing outdated laws made 100 years ago?

Enough babbling for now... at the present time, the Watermaster's office has to deal with a very complicated set of rules. I know it's difficult and there's a lot of pressure...but, like I said before, "Come on"!

We'll keep you all updated... when we know something, I'll post it here and on our Facebook page.

2011-07-29T14:37:00.000-07:00

RAFTING UPDATE JULY 29, 2011

Well...our rafting opening date is getting closer!

We anticipate water, from the Tahoe City dam, will start to be released as soon as Monday. Most likely it will be on Wednesday. That means, by Friday we should have enough water to open... Now, we could be open earlier if the watermaster in Reno decides to start releasing sooner!

So, with all that said...August 5th could be, and better be, our opening day. Call first to make sure and get discounts for advance reservations!

Thanks for waiting...
Mountain Air Sports-Truckee River Rafting staff

JULY 20, 2011 UPDATE

2011-07-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

Our 2011 summer "Onboarding Orientation" for new and returning rafting staff is now planned for July 23rd. at 10:00. We'll have a short, annual welcoming presentation, highlighting all the rules and regs.

See you all soon!!!

UPDATED "ONBOARDING" ...

2011-07-08T16:01:00.000-07:00

Well... all new and returning Truckee River Rafting staff planning on attending our "onboarding orientation" tomorrow are being asked to reschedule for another day. We are moving the date back another week, due to the opening day of the river. Flows are still too high through Farad, where the Floriston Rate is measured, about 10 miles downstream from Truckee. Our apologies to everyone who planned on being here for our annual staff meeting. Can't wait to see everyone next week!

2011 EMPLOYEE ONBOARDING

2011-07-01T06:23:00.000-07:00

We will be having a 2011 EMPLOYEE ONBOARDING presentation on Saturday, July 9th at 9:30. Each year we hold a special pre-season new and old employee orientation. Everyone will introduce themselves and share a bit about who they are and where they're from. Typically, Jennifer and I will run through the "rules and regs" and what we expect from everyone. An "offering" to our river will follow, showing our thankfulness to her for 37 years she has given us, and hopefully many more years to come!

See everyone at our dock and assembly area behind our rafting store! It will take about an hour or so.

Let's get rafting!!! Ryan

JUNE 30, 2011 RIVER UPDATE

2011-06-30T23:09:00.000-07:00

As you all know...the rivers in California are flowing at historic levels! The runoff from the upper mountains are not slowing down. That means we have to wait until water levels subside before they will release water from the Tahoe City dam. We've been monitoring the USGS area sites and talking to the Federal Watermaster's office in Reno and have concluded that we still have at least three weeks before the gates will open in Tahoe City.

All we can do is sit back and wait...enjoy Tahoe's many other activities and wonders. We'll be ready for you and your friends!!

Thanks for your patience, the Mountain Air Sports Rafting Staff

2011 SUMMER UPDATE

2011-06-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!
We have some good news and some bad news... first the bad. After calculating all the snow and water data in the Tahoe basin and talking with the Federal Watermasters office in Reno, we're pushing back our opening day to mid to late July. There is still way too much natural runoff in the upper mountains, so the release at the Tahoe City outlet will not start for another month. Things could change, but for now, it's another waiting game!
The good news is... we will have a summer rafting season all the way through Labor Day!
Sorry for the bad news, we'll keep you updated.
Mountain Air Sports/Truckee River Rafting staff

WHEN WILL WE OPEN FOR SUMMER 2011?

2011-06-10T21:02:00.000-07:00

There is still too much natural runoff down river for the Federal Watermaster in Reno to start releasing water from the Tahoe City dam. It seems it could be at least another 2 or 3 weeks before we will have a good flow to raft.
We'll keep you updated as soon as we hear any news.
Thanks, Mountain Air Sports Team

INSANE PHOTO DEAL !!!!!!

2010-08-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

YES...THAT'S RIGHT! FREE PHOTO ONLY WHEN YOU MENTION THIS BLOG!

Make a reservation online or by phone and get one free professional 6x8 color photo as you depart from our dock. It's a $15 value and it's free! BUT, you have to mention it at the time you make your reservation.

We know it's an insane deal...

NEW $10 OFF PER PERSON

2010-07-26T14:48:00.000-07:00

GREAT GROUP RATES FOR 15 OR MORE ADULTS WITH ADVANCE RESERVATIONS!!!!

Just give us a call to get this special discount and mention you saw it on our blog site!

Now with higher water... we offer a great family experience.

Talk to Sydney, Hillary, Paige or Tara for all your reservation questions and to book a fun ride!

MORE WATER TODAY!!!!!

2010-07-26T13:29:00.000-07:00

The Truckee River flow is now at 300 cfs. This is such great news!!!

It's now an almost PERFECT flow... we are SO happy :)

All of us at Truckee River Rafting Mountain Air Sports are smiling.

Sydney

2010-07-19T14:01:00.000-07:00

Syd taking calls right and left!

Lexie

2010-07-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

Lexie making sure you know where to go!

Rich and Jen

2010-07-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

Rich and Jen always smiling...always there to help!

Parker

2010-07-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

Parker...Mr. Photoman!

Paige

2010-07-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

Paige busy taking your rafting reservations!

Judy

2010-07-19T12:54:00.000-07:00

We love our rafting store with Judy ringing up the goodies!

BUSY...BUSY...BUSY!!!!

2010-07-17T21:39:00.000-07:00

Truckee River Rafting Mountain Air Sports is busy...

Be sure to make an advance reservation and save $5 off each adult and child between 6-12.

Save $7 off before 9:30 (early bird special)

Go online at http://www.tahoetruckeerafting.com/ or call toll free at (888) 584-7238... 584-RAFT and talk to one of our friendly sales staff to book a trip or just get information!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

2010-07-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

Today would have been my dads 81st birthday. He is the reason Truckee River Rafting-Mountain Air Sports is here today, after 37 years!

Thanks dad! Thanks for watching over us:)

OPEN TODAY!!!!!!

2010-07-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

Truckee River Rafting with Mountain Air Sports is OPEN today for the summer season!!!!!

PLASTIC OR STAINLESS?

2010-07-13T07:35:00.000-07:00

Would you choose disposable plastic water bottles or reusable stainless steel water bottles?

...if a plastic bottle was $3. and the stainless steel bottle was $4.?

...if you could fill up your stainless steel bottle as many times as you like from our 9 stage filter system for free?

...if you knew that you would be helping to reduce plastic in our landfills and river?

...if you could have a cool reusable bottle with our famous riverman logo on it?

Mountain Air River Patrol

2010-07-11T17:16:00.001-07:00

RIVER PATROL CHASE VEHICLE READY TO ROLL!!!!!

OPENING!!!!!

2010-07-11T13:20:00.000-07:00

YES... you heard it right!

The watermaster in Reno called us this morning and said he will start releasing more water, starting today with 20cfs. That brings the total to about 90cfs. We can open with a very minimal flow of 150cfs...

Each day he will release more to reach our hopeful and perfect 300cfs. The good news is that we may be open tomorrow.

Unfortunately, we won't know until tomorrow morning.

So, stay tuned! We'll update in the A.M.

No Fourth of July Opening :(

2010-07-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

Nope...

Well, I'm sorry to inform everyone that we will not be open for the holiday... the Watermaster in Reno says we still have too much runoff lower on the river past Truckee. That means we need to wait a couple more days.

We are hoping by middle to end of next week we should be open.

Keep your fingers crossed!!!

Thanks for being patient,
All of us at Truckee River Rafting with Mountain Air Sports

Opening Day Update

2010-06-29T08:30:00.000-07:00

The big question of the day?

Is still...

"When are you opening for the season?"

The problem we've had this year is a late snow melt. We've been stuck in cool winterish weather, not allowing for upper elevation runoff. This means that there is still too much water entering the Truckee River below the Tahoe City dam, which is where we are. There is a Federally mandated amount of water which needs to be exactly 500 cubic feet per second (cfs) past the Floriston Station, about 30 miles away from us. When the smaller creeks and streams subside and the flow at Floriston falls below the legal 500cfs point, the Federal Watermaster in Reno will release more water from the Tahoe City dam to meet the 500cfs demand.

We'll keep waiting for a phone call from the Watermaster's office... ready to open our doors, in an instant, so that we may all enjoy rafting and playing on the Truckee River!

So when do we think that day is??? We're calculating sometime between July 7th to the 14th. We just don't know exactly.

Sorry for the bad news

Employee Orientation

2010-06-13T20:49:00.000-07:00

Today was Employee Orientation Day here at Truckee River Rafting with Mountain Air Sports!

We had a GREAT turnout with the sun shinning on our launch site in Tahoe City. Almost 40 eager, job seekers sat ready to listen to our once a year kick-off speech. We started with everyone stating their name and where they were from.

After about an hour we concluded with a "respect the river" and "give thanks to the river" segment. We would not be here if it wasn't for our beautiful Truckee River flowing from the gates of Lake Tahoe.

Now we wait for the phone call from the watermasters office in Reno, telling us the day the gates will open!

Happy summer to everyone!!!

Tahoe Dining - River Grill, Tahoe City

2010-06-08T23:41:00.000-07:00

The Mountain Air Sports team gets asked about more than Truckee River rafting questions.

Over the years, we often become unofficial tour guides for the Tahoe area.

For the "where to eat in Tahoe City?" question we always recommend dining at the River Grill.

The River Grill in Tahoe City offers riverfront dining (year round) and features California cuisine.

River Grill is used for events, weddings and has an elegant main room perfect for special gatherings.

Dining Al fresco in Tahoe is the way to do it! Happy dining!

The River Grill is open 7 days a week.

Happy Hour runs from 5:00 to 6:30 and all night every Sunday and Monday.

Dinner is served nightly from  5:30 to 9:30.

For dinner reservations, call  (530) 581-2644 www.rivergrilletahoe.com

Mountain Air Sports Improvements 2010

2010-06-08T15:38:00.000-07:00

Each year our "little family raft business" makes improvements to better serve you. Truckee River Rafting should be enjoyed, as the river is amazing. We like to do our small part to make a difference.

This year, we built new steps from the waters edge to the walkway and shuttle bus at River Ranch Pond.

We have redesigned our launch site/life jacket and paddle area for better people flow.

New rafts have been added to replace some of the older ones.

We have also purchased a new shuttle van which replaced an older 15 passenger van.

One of our biggest improvements is our new web page, by Web Marketing Therapy which is being expanded as I write this blog post!

All very, very exciting!!

I'll have more updates in the next couple days.

Tahoe Employment for 2010 Summer Season

2010-06-08T15:16:00.000-07:00

Attention Tahoe/Truckee job seekers:

We will be having an orientation and job fair June 13, 2010 at our raft launch site in Tahoe City.

Past employees and new applicants can come and meet us and ask questions. Rich, Jen, Judy and myself (Ryan aka Riverman) will be here to welcome back all the old crew and prospective new applicants!

Hope to see you this Sunday at 55 West Lake Blvd. next to the River Grill and Dam Cafe at 10:00 a.m. Any questions... please call my cell at (805) 698-2200

Truckee River Rafting questions?

2010-06-08T06:32:00.000-07:00

One of our most frequently asked questions pre-season is... When are you going to open rafting for the Truckee River (in Tahoe City) for the summer?

The answer is... When there's enough water in the river! Simple, right!?

Well, not exactly.

Lake Tahoe is considered a reservoir and is monitored and controlled in Tahoe City by the Federal Watermaster in Reno, Nevada. The Watermaster monitors several other lake heights and stream flows in the area also. When stream and river flows reach certain levels, the Watermaster will then regulate, at the lake outlets, to keep flows at federally mandated levels. The long and short of it is, we have to wait until the Watermaster opens the gates at the Tahoe City Dam (Fanny Bridge) to a hopefully perfect river flow. The Watermaster does not know an exact date he will release water but will call us a few days in advance.

So we wait patiently, on the edge of our rafts, for the "phone call".

The call is usually sometime in June!

Just check our blog. We'll let you know as soon as we know!

Great Tahoe travel website

2010-06-03T15:54:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a great website for the Tahoe area. Tahoetopia.com has everything the Tahoe travler needs to know, from weather, dining, events and news, upcoming happenings and more. What I like the best about the site are the videos and webcams. Visit Tahoetopia.com and come see us on the Truckee River this summer!