Kumsheen Resort Newsletter

"The professional, courteous and fun filled atmosphere that the Lilydale team enjoyed is a great reflection on you and your team's commitment to providing a great customer experience."

Ed Rodenburg, President & CEO
Lilydale Inc.

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Because of the much higher than normal snow pack, there has been much talk in the media about flooding in the next few months. The Fraser River is especially vulnerable.

I've studied the Thompson's many moods for 34 years. Back in 1974 the river was unusually high and I owned no power rafts so I lashed two paddle rafts together to increase our safety margin in the spring freshette.

A guide on each raft worked one long oar with both hands. It worked. We survived the gigantic whirlpools, waves and boils to tell an interesting tale.

A year later I built motorized or power rafts, as we now call them. A river like the Thompson at high water carries so much water that paddle or oar rafts just aren't able to maintain adequate control. Better a large raft powered by an outboard.

The Thompson River basin has a slightly elevated snowpack as of April 1 st . North Thompson snow water is 116% of normal, and the South Thompson index is 109% of normal.

By contrast, the Upper Fraser currently has one of the largest snowpacks recorded since measurements began in 1953. The Upper Fraser snow water index is 139% of normal), Middle and Lower Fraser has water index of 130% of normal. Chances of flooding are extremely high along the Fraser and its northern tributaries.

The rate of snow melt is determined by the weather in the next two months. What we hope for are relatively warm days, cool nights, and no rain. Then the snow will melt gradually - an ideal scenario.

For Kumsheen, big water means big power rafts. That's why we schedule only power rafts during spring runoff in May and June.

Outrigger pontoons can be added if necessary for extra lateral stability and buoyancy. We appreciate and respect this fabulous river, even when it is in runoff mode.

Our restaurant chef for the past five years, Helmut Pflueger, decided to stay in Germany this summer and look after some family matters. We wish him well.

We're pleased to welcome Georgi Krumov ( www.finestchef.com ) to our restaurant as Helmut's replacement. Georgi takes over the command of the Cutting Board Kitchen on May 1.

Trained and apprenticed in Europe, Georgi has vast international experience including Carnival Cruise Lines and Lenotre-Paris (the leader in French Cuisine and operator of the Lenotre Culinary Academy in Paris). We're excited to have him take over the reigns and are looking forward to a great season of culinary delights at the resort.

Early last week Kumsheen's 16 page catalogue went out to our guests from the past 3 years.

If you moved or didn't get a copy feel free to download it from our website or fill in the Request Form and we'll mail you a copy. Contact us if you currently are on our mailing list but would like to be removed.

Only a few weeks left and May 1st we open the doors for our 34th season on the Thompson. If you haven't already included us in your plans, don't delay, reserve your package soon.