Menu
Log in


  • Home
  • Level 1 Paddle - Smith and Bybee High Water Wildlife Exploration

Level 1 Paddle - Smith and Bybee High Water Wildlife Exploration

  • April 17, 2019
  • 9:45 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Smith and Bybee Lakes Canoe Launch
  • 3

Registration

  • Active club members, including kayaking professional and lifetime. Provisional acceptance, pending approval by the trip organizer.

Registration is closed

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).  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.

Narrative: The water levels are up, so come enjoy a pleasant day of paddling in an urban wildlife area with easy access. No parking permits are required, but don't forget your Aquatic Invasive Species Permit. 
Be prepared for a short carry to the water, or bring your wheels for use on the gravel path. A full wet suit and fleece hat are required. Bring a towline if you have one. 
Bring your waterproof binoculars and sunglasses with keepers; water, snacks and lunch. The Weather Service is predicting a slight chance of rain and mostly cloudy. Lunch is planned for any high ground we can land on; preferably the sunny hillside near the re-purposed, but previously unused Wapato jail. 
The plan is to circumnavigate parts of both lakes without backtracking. We'll visit the Beaver Lodge, Eagle nests (2), Water Control Structure and the backwater Beaver Dam if it is not submerged. 

UNFORTUNATELY occasional car break-ins have occurred, so do not leave ANY valuables in your car. PERIOD. No phones, camera cases, CDs or 8 tracks should be visible. Open the glove box and arm rest console to visibly demonstrate that your vehicle is not worth breaking into. 
With that clearly stated, we should have a great trip. 
Meeting Time: 9:45:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:30:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Smith and Bybee Lakes Canoe Launch
Take out: Same
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD - but unlikely
Required equipment: 
Minimum Immersion protection: Full wet suit
Primary Organizer: Brad Sheehan
Assistant Organizer(s): Chris Mayou
Has organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? Yes
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? No
First Aid /CPR Person: Chris Mayou
Maximum number of paddlers: 10
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 60
Estimated Water Temperature: 45-50
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4.5 hours
Tide times & heights: NOAA Vancouver WA
2019/04/17 Wed 05:09 AM 2.98 H
12:58 PM 0.21 L
5:17 PM 2.00 H
USGS Water level in Columbia Slough Approx 14 to 15 feet on April 13
Current information: Minimal
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 1: Frequent easy landing opportunities including gently sloping, sand, gravel or grass
Currents: Level 1: None or mild (less than 1 knot)
Total distance: Level 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing: Level 2: Less than 1 mile
Paddling Environment: 
Overall rating: Level 1
Rating Comments: This is generally a Level 1 paddle with added distance.
We will do this paddle rain or shine. Only high winds and/or thunder will cancel.
Location (Optional): 
https://www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/smith-and-bybee-wetlands-natural-area


Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software