McCall,
The rapids in your dream symbolize tumultuous emotions or situations in your life. Considering the rapids' intensity and your awareness of the danger they represent, this may reflect feelings of being overwhelmed by circumstances that appear chaotic or out of control. The fact that the location is unfamiliar could indicate these feelings are related to an aspect of your life that is currently new or unknown to you, perhaps a situation you haven't navigated before.
Your observation of the lack of safety measures like a fence or gate around the rapids may suggest an internal dialogue about the absence of boundaries or protection in a particular area of your life. As a married woman in the US within the 26-35 age range, it's possible that you're facing or anticipating life changes or challenges that may not yet have clear solutions or safeguards in place.
The presence of other people in the dream, though not interacting with you, might hint at a subconscious recognition that others are or could be sharing similar experiences. It could be a reflection of your social environment or a reminder that although a situation may feel isolating, you are not alone in navigating life's 'rapids.'
While you mention having negative feelings about the dream, the emotions level isn't at a high intensity, indicating that while the dream was unsettling, it hasn't caused severe distress. This could mean that you are aware of these stressors in your waking life but are not at a point where they completely dominate your emotional state.
In summary, the dream seems to represent your awareness of and contemplation about life challenges that feel risky and uncontained. It's a reminder to acknowledge these feelings and consider where in your life you might be seeking more stability or security. As you move forward, it may be beneficial to reflect on the areas of your life where establishing clearer boundaries could bring peace of mind and help navigate the 'rapids' you're facing.