Note: This story is updated as of Friday, Aug. 5th at 6am.

After weeks of waiting, the Federal Watermaster, who controls the flow of water out of Lake Tahoe and down the Truckee River, has begun to release Lake Tahoe water into the Truckee River, setting the stage for a late, but welcome start of summer rafting.

The delay in the rafting season has come as a result of the large and late winter and lingering snowpack, which kept downstream flows above the federally-regulated minimums required before water can be let out of Lake Tahoe. Up until now, the Truckee River between Tahoe City and Palisades Tahoe has been at a relative trickle, flowing at only 70cfs (cubic feet per second) at the dam.

Wednesday, August 3rd, was the first bump of additional water flow, allowing another 30 cfs to flow out of Lake Tahoe. This was followed by an additional increase on Thursday, adding another 30fps. As of Friday morning, the flow had risen to about 120cfs. Local commercial rafting companies hope for an optimum flow of more than 175cfs to operate.

"It's been a long wait, but we're very excited," commented Ryan Bell, of Mountain Air Sports/Truckee River Rafting, which operates at the Wye in Tahoe City. "The rafts are ready and if all goes well, we hope to open Friday or Saturday with limited operations, and expand from there as the water rises."

Rafting on the Truckee River is a major summer attraction in Lake Tahoe, and in particular on the North shore and Tahoe City, bringing thousands of visitors every summer and creating a significant economic impact in the region. Mountain Air Sports employs some 70 people during peak season.

For information about rafting, visit www.truckeeriverrafting.com.