Crossing Elk Creek and Vallecito on Jun28

[Tweedie]

I’m planning a trip from Molas pass to The Pine River TH starting June 28th. My hope is to camp night 1 in Vestal. I’ve been into Vestal many times before, but not this early in a normal snow year (went in 2018 on jul3, but that was a low snow year, I know this year is low too, but it’s not 2018 low). Does anyone have a feel for how deep and rough the Elk Creek crossing will be around that time?

I’ve poured over creek levels in previous year and snow pack of this year vs other years and I just can’t tell if it will be doable or too deep.

In addition, I plan to cross Vallecito Creek 2 days later at the inlet of Sunshine creek. Anyone got a feel for that Crossing around that time? I’m pretty sure that will be fine since I crossed by the former third bridge in 2019 and although deep and really cold was very doable. But anyone with more experience please chime in.

Thanks.

[d_baker]

RWinters and I crossed Elk Creek on July 4th, 2022 without difficulty.
I don't recall what the winter/spring snowpack was that year.

Here's a view from ~30,000' taken on 6/6 as I flew over that area:

Screenshot_20250608_191133_Gallery.jpg (312.38 KiB) Viewed 735 times

[Tweedie]

RWinters and I crossed Elk Creek on July 4th, 2022 without difficulty.
I don't recall what the winter/spring snowpack was that year.

Here's a view from ~30,000' taken on 6/6 as I flew over that area:

Screenshot_20250608_191133_Gallery.jpg

That is an awesome photo. Thanks for the details. Looks like 2022 was a good winter but it melted out earlier than this year’s snow. This is a good site for snow pack. Our late winter uptick is what has me concerned. That photo still has a lot of snow.

https://nwcc-apps.sc.egov.usda.gov/awdb ... _juan.html

[tortilla]

Hey Tweedie!

Crossing the Vallecito by Sunlight creek was shallower, tamer and shorter than crossing where the bridge washed out, though this was in early August (2023.) Perhaps I’ll go on a scouting mission this week while I’m in town.

Hope the trip goes well, enjoy Balsam!

[Tweedie]

Hey Tweedie!

Crossing the Vallecito by Sunlight creek was shallower, tamer and shorter than crossing where the bridge washed out, though this was in early August (2023.) Perhaps I’ll go on a scouting mission this week while I’m in town.

Hope the trip goes well, enjoy Balsam!

Hey Tortilla, Didn’t we meet on Arrow a few years ago? That would be a long scouting trip, let me know if you gather and good info.

[dillonsarnelli]

Tweedie,

I may head up to the vallecito creek crossing this week or next. will let you know what I encounter if you want. maybe i'll run into tortilla.

this is what i call bridge 2 but i think is what most people call bridge 1 from memorial day about 3.5 miles up. not helpful. i know.

Screenshot 2025-06-09 194645.jpg (703 KiB) Viewed 439 times

[tortilla]

Hey Tweedie!

Crossing the Vallecito by Sunlight creek was shallower, tamer and shorter than crossing where the bridge washed out, though this was in early August (2023.) Perhaps I’ll go on a scouting mission this week while I’m in town.

Hope the trip goes well, enjoy Balsam!

Hey Tortilla, Didn’t we meet on Arrow a few years ago? That would be a long scouting trip, let me know if you gather and good info.

Yep we met on Arrow, it was last September. Cheers!

[mtchristy]

Hi there, I am planning to cross Vallecito at Johnson Creek on June 26th. From the various internet rabbitholes I’ve been down, it sounds like if the USGS streamgauge at the wilderness boundary is running 100 cfs or less, it should be pretty easy crossing. I’m mentally preparing to bushwhack the 2 miles from the 2nd bridge to Johnson Creek, though.
Based on what the current discharge is and where it was a week ago, I am guessing it will be around 100 CFS, but the durango weather guy is saying the monsoons may hit right around the 26th, so that could change things. Let me know if you get any good beta!