A little Narrows exploration at 55 feet, L2, 11-26-22

 This trip is limited to members with a wet exit certification (except for level 1 trips when the paddler is not using a spray skirt....if the paddler is wearing a spray skirt on a level 1 paddle, the Wet Exit Certification is REQUIRED).  To successfully register you will need to sign into your OOPS member account, and your account will need to be a member of the "Wet Exit Certified" group if you intend to wear a spray skirt.  Your acceptance is conditional on approval by the Organizer, who may contact you with questions about your skills and equipment.  If the measured water temperature is different enough from that listed below to warrant a change in required immersion protection, the Organizer will contact all participants and the Trips Board member with the update at least a day before the trip.

Full Name: Joe Howell
Activity Title: A little Narrows exploration at 55 feet, L2, 11-26-22
Date of Activity: 11/26/2022
Narrative: Hey folks, interested in exercising those paddle muscles a little to work off some of that Thanksgiving feast? I could sure use it. How about you? We will meet at West Linn Willamette Park at 11 a.m. to be on the water by 11:30 and paddle up the west side, exploring behind those lovely rock islands near the west shoreline. We can decide, along the way, if there is enough water to cut through any of the slots in the rocks or just paddle up to the top and around. My goal is to seek out all of the little back bays and channels to see how much water is in there at the current posted water level of 55 feet at Oregon City above the falls. It looks to be about 40 degrees, with a water temperature of about 46 when we launch, so be prepared with appropriate drysuit and layers underneath or a nice, thick wetsuit to handle that kind of water temperature. Bring a lunch, snack, water, and maybe a warm beverage, if you think you'll want one, to warm up a bit on our lunch stop. Boats 12 feet or longer, please, capable of maintaining about 3 mph of paddling speed, as needed.
Meeting Time: 11:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 11:30:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: West Linn Willamette Park
Take out: Same
Route Alternative for bad weather: None
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit
Primary Organizer: Joe Howell
Assistant Organizer(s):
Has organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? Yes
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? Yes
First Aid /CPR Person:
Maximum number of paddlers: 6
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 40-44
Estimated Water Temperature: 46
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 3 hfs.
Tide times & heights: NA
Current information: <2 knots in main channel, but potential of a few knots in tight spaces between rocks and islands.
Hazards:
Wind strength: Level 1: 0-7 knots (8 mph)
Swell/Surf size: Level 1: Under 1' waves, no breaking waves
Sea state: Level 1: Waves up to the deck seam; water glassy to rippled, no whitecaps
Landing types: Level 2: Frequent landing opportunities including docks or moderate sloping banks, brush or overhanging trees
Currents: Level 2: Mild currents (up to 2 knots): current increases / decreases group speed by half
Total distance: Level 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing: Level 2: Less than 1 mile
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments:
Location (Optional):
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19