Slaughterhouse
EddyFlower - Kayaking information for the addicted.EddyFlower - Kayaking information for the addicted.
Slaughterhouse
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Run Length 4.5 miles Average Gradient 85 fpm
Difficulty Class IV+ Recommended Flow 800-1700 cfs
River Roaring Fork River Location Aspen, Colorado, United States
Author Sammer Elias Current Flow & Weather
79 cfs
N/A
Drainage Roaring Fork Elevation 7715ft to 7355ft
 
This is one of the juiciest, quality, class IV runs in the state. It goes on and on, it stays pretty consistent in its difficulty for the full four miles. The general character is technical, channelized IV. You can make it your slalom course, you can create your own more difficult lines, you can pick it a part. In comparison to the Numbers on the Arkansas, its a bit more difficult, a bit more techinical, and much more channelized. Its also a nicely scenic stretch of river.

The first rapid, one of the more difficult, Entrance Exam comes about 100 yards downstream of the put-in. Warm up quickly.

A drop that is out of character with the rest of the run, Slaughterhouse Falls, comes about half a mile below the put-in. Look for a calmer section of river, with a large scree field on the left, and a gently slopping beach/bank on the right. Eddie out at the bank on the right to scout. Slaughterhouse Falls is a river wide 6' ledge. At medium and lower flows the line is center left. Scouting from downstream you will see a spot where the falls form a "crotch", thats your line. Keep your speed up. Going over the falls to far to the right could be nasty. At higher flows check out a far right line over the falls.

Another drop to pay attention for is "Triple Drop", that includes a sticky hole at the bottom of the rapid in the center.

General comments for the whole run: There is potential for lots of play. Also, though there is not much, keep your eye out for unexpected, random wood, especially if your taking more interesting lines.

Flow Informaiton:
- 550 - 800 cfs = low flows
- 800 - 1700 cfs = medium flows
- 1700 - 2700 cfs = higher flows
- > 2700cfs = high flows

Difficulty Information:
- IV 700 to 1700 cfs
- IV+ 1700 to 2700 cfs
- V- > 2700 cfs
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