The dam gates are open, the river is flowing, and rafting season on the Truckee River opened today.

Some companies will begin operating this weekend.

The delay in this summer’s rafting season was due to a banner snow year and lingering snowpack, which kept downstream flows above the federally regulated minimums required before water can be let out of Lake Tahoe.

Rafting season is open on the North Shore along the Truckee River. Photo/Jeff Dow

Most trips are leisurely and take two to three hours to complete, with patrons exiting at River Ranch Lodge near Alpine Meadows Road along Highway 89. Trips include parking, shuttle, paddles, life jackets and commercial rafts for two to 20 people.

For more information about rafting and raft companies, go online.