Update:
THE Avon Descent has been restored to its full length after a positive rain outlook over the next two days.
The length of the event had been cut by 50 kilometres following low water levels.
Only the 11 most powerful of the power boats were set to start from Northam.
Unexpected rain forced a change with Northam receiving 30mm, Cunderdin 28mm and Goomalling 26mm.
The rain has boosted the chances of decent stream run-off into the Avon River.
Further falls are expected throughout Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Previously:
THIS weekend's Avon Descent has been cut by 50km because the river's water levels are so low.
When the race gets under way on Saturday, only the 11 most powerful of the power boats will start from Northam.
The rest of the power boats and all the paddlers will start from Katrine, 17km downriver from Northam.
The 11 'sports power boats' can handle the low water levels because their engines allow them to plane over the surface of what water there is rather than cut through it.
Day one will finish as usual at Cobblers Pool but day two will start 30km downriver at Walyunga.
Chairman of the Avon Descent Association, Kevin Harrison, said making the decision to cut the race was disappointing but unavoidable.
We just haven't had the rainfall we need in time to raise the water levels in the river," he said.
Most years the race is held over 124km but this year it will be run over just 75km.
The low water levels have also cut the number of competitors for this year's race, especially those who travel from interstate or abroad.
"They can monitor the water levels from home and many of them have cancelled. That's disappointing of course but I don't blame them. They can save themselves a couple of thousand dollars," said Mr Harrison.
The race would normally attract around 600 competitors but only around 400 have signed up for this weekend's event.
