Dowd Chute

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Run Length

1 mile

Average Gradient

70 fpm

Difficulty

Class IV

Recommended Flow

250-4000 cfs

River

Eagle River

Location

Vail, Colorado, United States

Author

Bryan Houle

Current Flow & Weather

98 cfs

N/A

Drainage

Eagle

Elevation

7740ft to 7630ft

Shortie but goodie. The highwater of the 2003 season shifted some rocks in the chute, changing it a bit, and also washed out the classic hole below the chute.

The best gauge to check is the "dowd stick" gauge, a wood plank located at the top of the chute, just downstream of the confluence of the eagle and gore creek. pull-off Highway 6 near the dowd junction I-70 interchange to peer down into the chute and to see the stick.

The difficulty of the chute varies considerably with flow.

Dowd Stick Reading:
< 2'6" - III+
2'6" to 4' - IV
4' - IV+
6' - V-

Dowd Chute - just above the Crux (Tyson)

late season, low water run

Paddler:Stephanie McClurg Photographer:Dianne Tranks

Disclaimer

Dowd Chute - middle

Posted By: Bryan Houle

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	Put-In Put-in across the street from the Forest Service building at the Highway 24 exit of I-70.
	Take-Out Take-out at the bus stop at Riverbend, on Highway 6 in Eagle-Vail.

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Trip Report

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	Uncharacteristically high, proceed with caution.
	Powerful, pushy and unforgiving.
	Ideal flow conditions.
	Boney with potential for boat abuse.
	Not enough water to float a boat.
	Please let us know.
	No gauge, visual required.