Colorado Waterways: Additional Restrictions, Warnings, Rescues, Death

Colorado’s waterways are not your best friend right now. Caution is suggested, smart choices are required, and nothing is guaranteed.

Here are a handful of notes from the past few days.

Boulder Creek

This afternoon (6/12), the Boulder County Sheriff closed Boulder Creek to tubing. The closure took affect today at 5 pm. The closure includes Boulder Creek from below Boulder Falls (that’s about halfway up BoCan to Ned) to 55th Street in the city of Boulder.

“The closure includes watercraft such as single-chamber rafts, single-chamber belly boats, and inner tubes from floating in the creek,” said a press release. “Sheriff's deputies will be posting notices and advising recreationists of the closure. Today, Boulder Creek was flowing at approximately 701 cfs and is expected to continue to increase as temperatures rise. Spring run-off, and the normal scheduled release of water from Barker Reservoir, will cause the creek water flow to rise, increasing risks to people recreating and first responders performing water rescues. Increased risks which are present during higher water flows include cold water temperatures, floating debris, and obstructions in the water, which can snag a person.”

Kayakers and whitewater canoeists are allowed, but those folks are “strongly encouraged” to use caution and wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including a life jacket, a wet or dry suit, and a helmet.

Aurora Reservoir Bans Alcohol

Aurora officials have changed how and when people can recreate at Aurora Reservoir, including updating hours and banning alcohol.

Starting Saturday, June 8, the reservoir’s open hours have temporarily changed to 5 am to 6 pm, according to a news release. Visitors to the reservoir will also see extra security on the weekends to make sure people are recreating safely, officials said.

The reservoir is located at 5800 Powhaton Road.

Basalt Death

In my last post about waterways, I mentioned a rescue on the Roaring Fork near Basalt. One of those rescued has now passed away.

I believe that brings Colorado's death tally to 17 on the year.

The 74-year-old man and a friend capsized on Saturday and had to be rescued. The 74-year-old was taken to Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs hospital with “life-threatening injuries.”

The cause and manner of death are pending results of the post-mortem examination, a press release states.

Accident on the Crystal River

Meanwhile, there was an accident on the Crystal River, which lies south of Carbondale, on Sunday.

According to various reports, eight people were flipped out of a raft on June 9 near the well-known Penny Hot Springs.

The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call around 2 pm with a report of an overturned raft and several unaccounted-for individuals.

“At least 50 personnel from Carbondale Fire, Aspen Fire, Roaring Fork Fire Rescue, the sheriff’s office, and Pitkin County Open Space and Trails assisted on scene,” the Aspen Times reported. “They set a large perimeter on the river to help contain the party in the swift waters.”

Other Notes

On the east side of Steamboat Springs, a rising Walton Creek east of caused some damage and has raised concerns for residents and businesses owners along a stretch of US 40.

Also, Fibark, the famed Salida whitewater festival, which starts 6/13, is reportedly adjusting certain events and schedules, including the beloved Hooligan Race, because the Arkansas is running at 4,000 cfs.

“How would you like to be the guy that has to cancel all the fun?” asked Chief Aaron Jonke of the Salida Fire Department.

No kidding.