Boise National Forest officials are urging rafters to use extreme caution when floating the South Fork Boise River, this following several recent rafting incidents in the area.
In the largely roadless area on the Mountain Home Ranger District, officials say the South Fork Boise River is a changing river due to mud slides and rock deposits following large fires, according to Boise National Forest spokeswoman Susan Blake. “Rafters need to be aware and be prepared for changeable rapid conditions,” she said.
The Buffalo Creek Rapid, which used to be a Class 3 rapid, is now a Class 5 Rapid, making it far more treacherous for rafters.
"The South Fork Boise River is very challenging even for the most experienced rafter," said Stephaney Kerley, district ranger on the Mountain Home Ranger District. "We want visitors to the forest to have a great recreational experience, but at the same time use their best judgment and consider safety as a priority to protect themselves and their families."
