So honestly....for those of you who know....I'm I going to die if I do the Gens de Terre river the first week of May in a solo open boat?...

Found this page
http://www.canot-camping.ca/english/index.asp?id=166
And with the snow base this year I would expect very good flows... (high)
Down on the bottom of the page it gives levels and skill levels that can be done.
Hope this helps.
I think a lot depends on your skills and the water will be cold this year.
Jeff

_________________
Choosing to save a river is more often an act of passion than of careful calculation. You make the choice because the river has touched your life in an intimate and irreversible way, because you are unwilling to accept its loss. — (David Bolling, Ho

A search in the Quebec section for Gens de Terre will give you a few pointers.

The water level is regulated via a Dam. It is usually early in the season that you may see rather high water levels. All depends on the water level in the network of reservoirs in the area and the spring run off. Please take note that early in the season you have to take into account the added impact of the river watershed flowage. A 50 m3/s at Barrage Cabonga in May means a higher level than 50 m3/s in August in the Canyon.

If you want to abide by the rules, you will need to wait for the opening of the canoeing season in the Reserve faunique de la Verandrye which is May 17th. You can still ask the SEPAQ if they agree to let you go bypassing CCLV regulations. Besides, the shuttle service from CCLV can be an asset unless you drive a 4X4. Even if regular shuttle service starts on June 9th, you can make a special agreement before.

CCVL is also the best source to get the water level at Barrage Cabonga. They also advise Hydro Quebec that a party is on the river in order to hold further increase in water level.

The map from http://www.cartespleinair.org is a must since the CCVL map is not up to date and displays portages long overgrown. This is not an inviting river for guess work.

The first week of May is usually the "peak" water levels for rivers in the area. It could end up being a trip that's more stressfull than fun.

I think we have decided that it will be way too stressful esp with just two solo boats. Thanks for the info guys.

B