I have a June 1 permit for Baker Lake and with the high water across the BW area I'm wondering how concerned I should be that water levels will make for a difficult trip in that area given that it's a river flowage. I know it's hard to say how high the water will be 2 weeks in advance, but I will have 3 rookies with me, so if there's significant risk of high water problems I might grab another permit.

Barring huge rainfall between now & then, I wouldn't be too concerned.

I was on Baker early Tuesday morning. We were considering a day trip up to Jack. I paddled up to the portage but did not cross. There is a fair bit of water coming down from Peterson. It's not major flooding but the water will be swift in the connecting creek to Peterson. After the portage there is a short rocky section before you get to Peterson, this can cause some issues. In low water you almost have to get out and walk the canoe through the section. With the water at the current level you can paddle through again the current but it will be moving pretty good. Once past its will be good going the rest of the way. The pullover into Kelly will be a breeze and I don't see much problem beyond. On the return the fast section sometimes has some down tree issues and you don't want to miss the right hand turn into the portage before the longer stretch of rapids. You don't want to go down the rapids leading to Baker. If someone dumps in the first stretch of fast water there is a pool before the second rapids. Send your best paddlers first. They can get in a protected spot at the portage which is right past the pool and be able to help others make it into the portage. The water level may drop a bit before your there. We decided not to chance it given the cold water and 38 degree air temp with wind. If something would have happened hypothermia would have been a huge issue even with the advance preparations we would have made. By June 1 both the air and water will be much warmer. A fair amount of good walleye fishing to be had on this route.

I’ve often wondered why the Forest service didn’t add a high water portage extension. This is a popular entry point in this section is just one lake away from the parking lot. It seems a lot of use and can be a tricky spot in high water.I believe this is where author Joe Friedrichs capsized and was flushed into the chute below the put-in and nearly drowned.