2017 Season Opener Racecourse Posted On: April 13, 2017 By: Steve Miller Filed Under: Nature, River trips 2017 Season Opener. We had 11 guests do the PM Racecourse with us on April 11. The Pittman party (Britt Runyon photo) A Pittman (Britt Runyon photo) As regards the coming run-off on the Rio Grande, the snowpack is now at 135% of average, with the peak flows projected to be between 4000 and 8000 cfs! This run-off situation is being compared to that of 1985, which was huge. The peak will probably occur in the first week of June, so you high water addicts should start booking those dates. They will go fast, once the word is out. The Rio Chama will also have high water, with 135% of average snowpack. Meanwhile, the Racecourse becomes Class 4 at the higher flows, and may be considered as hard or harder than the Taos Box at max flows. This will require that we raise the minimum age of children on that run, as the water rises. Please inquire! Mile-long Rapid on the Racecourse section, at high water (Class 4)