Maybe just sluicing would be easier! Panning is hard on the back! The easiest way is a use suction to vacuum up the sand and run it down the sluice box. Much easier! But Washington state might forbid that, they do in California now which is really stupid...

Water rights are always a nightmare, unless you hold the good ones. Those junior rights equal no water at all! lol

Great pictures as always, stay safe and I hope no more rain for awhile!