The highly anticipated float season on the Boise River could start near the first official day of summer in late June, if river flows, hazard removal, and the weather forecast align. Float the Boise partner agencies Ada County Parks & Waterways, Boise Parks and Recreation, and Boise Fire are busy preparing for the official 2024 float season along the six-mile stretch from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park. Local emergency responders and partner organizations are urging the community to be patient and stay off the river until the official start date is announced and conditions improve.
Current river flows remain hazardous for untrained floaters, with fast-moving and cold water posing significant risks. Plus, Boise Fire still needs to conduct hazard mitigation efforts to remove debris, downed limbs and trees and other potential dangers on the river to create a safer environment for floaters. Safety is always the top priority for Float the Boise partner agencies, and the team is closely monitoring the river and weather forecast to determine the optimal time to open the season. Historically, the official float season starts in late June when the weather is consistently warmer and river flows fall within the range of 500 – 1,500 cubic feet per second (cfs), with no significant increases expected by water managers. The average official opening date over the past 23 years is June 25th and the average opening flow is 1,130 cfs. River flows are currently over 1,500 cfs.
"We understand the excitement and eagerness to float the Boise River, but it's crucial to wait until the conditions are right and hazard mitigation can be completed," said Boise Fire Dive Captain Scott Hall. "The dive team will continue to monitor the river for downed trees and other hazards as we approach the opening of float season and will remove them as necessary.”
As the weather gets warmer, people looking to cool off are encouraged to visit a local splash pad, pool or swimming pond with safety preparation in mind. Boise Parks and Recreation offers splash pads and interactive fountains at seven park locations. The popular water features are turned on Memorial Day Weekend. Meanwhile, Boise’s four outdoor pools open at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 31. These facilities provide a safe and enjoyable way to beat the heat until the river is ready for recreational use.
Additionally, Quinn’s Pond and Esther Simplot Park’s ponds are open for swimming, however, it’s important to remember there are no lifeguards on site. Free life jacket loaner stations at the ponds are stocked before the holiday weekend.
“We are working diligently with our partners to ensure a safe and enjoyable float season for everyone in the coming weeks,” said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. “When the time comes, we will be ready at Ann Morrison Park. In the meantime, please use caution when recreating along the Boise River Greenbelt and near the river.”
As the season approaches, more information will be provided on www.floattheboise.org regarding river conditions, safety guidelines, and necessary precautions. Paid parking, shuttle services, and equipment rentals will be available from Barber Park once the official float season begins.
“This is always an exciting time of year and our team is hard at work in Barber Park preparing for the upcoming float season,” said Ada County Parks & Waterways Director Scott Koberg. “We have some great community partnerships and we’re all aware that floating the Boise River is on the shortlist of summer adventures, so we all do our part to create a positive experience for park visitors and floaters.”
Community members are encouraged to prepare for the season by reviewing safety practices and ensuring they have the appropriate safety gear. A ‘safety checklist’ is provided on the Float the Boise website.
The Boise River offers a wonderful outdoor experience, and with everyone's cooperation, the float season can be enjoyed safely and responsibly. Any official announcement on opening day will be shared on www.floattheboise.org and the Float the Boise Facebook and Instagram accounts.
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Float the Boise is a partnership between Ada County Parks & Waterways, Boise Parks and Recreation, and Boise Fire.