Rare Phenomenon Occurring At Great Sand Dunes National Park

Medano Creek at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is running at its peak in mid-June creating great conditions for floating on the water.

The Colorado park calls it “surge flow” when the creek next to the dunes runs high once a year and creates wave-like surges in the water near the park’s main parking lot.

Surge flow is considered a rare global phenomenon, and park rangers say the national park is the best spot in the world to see it happen. For surge flow to develop, there must be a steep riverbed, a sandy creek bottom and lots of water flowing down at once. Medano creek features all three of those elements.

2017’s surge flow is expected to be above average. If you’re planning a visit, water is normally highest in the morning and lowest in the evening.

Rangers say the river’s peak is happening later this year, due to an unusually cold and wet May near the park. The peak flow normally happens in late May.

click here for more information about surge flow.

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