Blue Mesa, July 11-13

[Waterskier1]

Hi All,

The FROGs Dive Club out of Colorado Springs has a dive trip planned to Blue Mesa for July 11-13. I don't have all the details yet, but the general idea is we will camp there. We plan on renting 2-3 pontoon boats on Sat and Sun to dive off (depending on number of people). They are estimating the cost to be $75 per person and this includes the food and boats. There may be additional camping fees to the campground too. Last year they let as many as wanted camp per campsite, but we aren't sure if the same campground hosts will be there this year.

There is no need to bring cooking equipment or food, since the club prepares the food you everyone. Typically, pancakes and bacon/sausage for breakfast, hot dogs/burgers/brats for lunch, and steak, chicken breast, pork chops for dinner. All you need (besides your dive kit) is a sleeping bag and a tent. There may be tents to share.

Right now (subject to change) 2 Instructors and I (maybe others) plan on leaving after work on Thursday. Others will come up Friday or even Saturday morning. We'll come home Sunday afternoon. If you'd like to join us, send me a message and I'll try to answer any other questions. We have a temporary website set up, but haven't migrated to our permanent one yet.

-Rick

 

[ddavies]

I can't believe it. I have been trying to dive Blue Mesa for two years. The only weekend I am unavailable in July is that weekend. Grrrr!

 

[Divedoggie]

Having lived near Blue Mesa for the last 24 years, here are some thoughts.

This year's runoff is extreme. The Lilly Lake area near the top of Kebler Pass, received 1100 inches of total snowfall. That is just one example of the huge amount of snow that is melting off this year and draining into the swollen Gunnison River, Lake Fork River, Steven's Creek, Dry Creek, Cebolla, Soap Creek, West Lake Fork, and the many smaller draws that empty into Blue Mesa.

Usually by this time of year the water in the Gunnison River and Lake fork is crystal clear. This year it carries debris as do all of the other tributaries.
The flood gates on the dam are wide open to compensate for the massive amount of water entering the Res.

One would think that everything would be all stirred up, but maybe not. The reservoir is very deep. It may allow the "dust to settle." If you find the right spot, there could be some clear water. The west marina may be a good place to start looking because its near the deepest part of the lake. There are shallower coves and inlets near there that may have clearish water.

Best of luck! Can't wait to read your report. At the very least, you will have a blast.