Hackett Gulch, Corral Creek, and Longwater Gulch 5-14-2017

[GreenXJ]

Thanks to FINOCJ for the following information which proved useful and correct:

"Here is the USGS guage for river flow in that area.
https://waterdata.usgs.gov/co/nwis/u...cd=00065,00060

Basically, its controlled by what is released from 11mile canyon/Lake George area. Right now its flowing very low (under 150cfs) so it should be crossable. But it can go up it a hurry as spring run-off picks up. Last year it only peaked at about 500-600cfs, but many years its more like 2000cfs. I've never been to the Hackett crossing - only the Longwater crossing, but I would guess that anything up to 300cfs would be fine, 300-500 might be interesting depending on the vehicle, and and above 500 or so is getting into the 'use your judgement and experience and vehicle capabilities' range. I have seen it crossed successfully at at over 1000 by a sweet modded early Bronco running 37s, but my CJ7 on 33s didn't make it nor did my my friends F150. We towed the F150 all the way back home."

We had a fun day fitting in two gulches and two crossings. The water at app. 115 CFS was only about 30" at both crossings, which made it very manageable and fun.
Seeing as we got started in the afternoon, and the Puma Fire over near Lake George was visible, I didn't get into taking pics.
I'd recommend this area, and pay attention to the water flow as it is mostly human controlled upstream.

Cheers!

[dieseldoc]

we love this area.
its our winter play ground.
glad you had a good trip

[TJS86TOY]

Love that area too, it's good almost year round for 4x4'ing and ATV'ing. Glad you had fun!