Surf Cat

Surf’s up in Medano Creek at Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes, sort of, thanks to bountiful snow in the high peaks above the dunes.

OK, you can’t really surf there, but kids can ride inflatables and skimboards on waves that form on the creek as it crosses dune fields.

The snowmelt “surge flow” that creates a river with waves is a natural phenomenon that doesn’t happen every year, but this is expected to be a good one for it because the snowpack at Medano Pass is at more than 160 percent of normal. The peak flow is expected to occur over the next two weeks, according to postings on the park’s web site.

“It’s already running. It has been for a number of weeks,” said Eric Valencia, public information officer for the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. “It’s such a treat for visitors. You have the sand, the sun and the water.”

Waves form when water surges over ripples in the sand as it flows around the base of the dunes and spreads to become a wide, shallow stream . A video produced by the park service shows children playing in the waves and frolicking on floats, bobbing with the waves that can be up to 20 inches high.

Valencia said he could not say how long the conditions will persist.

“I do not want to get into the prediction business, but it is currently flowing strong,” Valencia said. “I anticipate it would continue to flow for a couple more weeks at the very least. It’s a special time and it’s a special year, because of the snowpack.”