Rafting Companies Predict A Great Season On Colorado's Waterways

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - Impressive snowpack has Colorado rafting companies excited about the summer season and they're hoping for big crowds.

Nearly 100,000 people rafted just a stretch Clear Creek last year, but there are some safety precautions rafters need to take before they think about heading out.

"We expect to have a great year this year," Clear Creek Rafting Company Manager Dale Drake told CBS4's Matt Kroschel.

As guides went over the final safety checklist on Tuesday, Drake explained why this season is on track to be a very good one for the industry.

"We have incredible snowpack. We're really excited about good water. It's finally warming up so we have good weather, good water," Drake said. "It's going to be a great time, we're ready to get out there and hit it hard."

With the expected high water that will make the creek even more dangerous, Drake wants people to be smart when planning their trip.

"The best thing to do is make sure you choose a reputable outfitter," he said.

Dozens of commercial companies raft the waters in Clear Creek, and many more tackle other sections across Colorado. Already this year a woman on a commercial trip fell out of the raft near Parkdale on the Arkansas River and died. There are risks involved, especially as the water rises.

"It's a natural environment. This isn't a roller coaster park ride or an amusement park ride," Drake said. "So there is an inherent risk involved with it. We want to make sure people are aware of those inherent risks and they take that in, but some of that is why it's so much fun, why we're out here doing it."

Nothing says Colorado quite like the cheers out on the rivers.