High water flows create dangerous conditions on Colorado rivers, streams and lakes this summer
Bridget O'Rourke
DENVER – Following a strong winter and wet spring that overloaded the mountain snowpack, the statewide snow runoff flowing into Colorado rivers, streams and lakes is higher than usual this year. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is encouraging river rafters, kayakers, tubers, anglers, swimmers and people picnicking along waterways to take extra precautions this summer and be mindful of high water levels and swift-moving rapids.
On the surface, rivers and streams can seem calm, warm or shallow. Yet every year, even the most experienced outdoor enthusiasts become victims to deceptively strong currents, cold water temperatures and unexpected changes in depth. Whether floating down a lazy river, fishing or cooling off from a long hike, it is important to understand water safety in and around all state waterways.
“You should always wear a life vest, paddle with a buddy, know your limitations and scout rapids before floating them,” said Michael Haskins, River Outfitter Licensing and Swiftwater Investigator.
River water exerts a very powerful and constant force against any fixed object. Just six inches of water can knock a person off their feet. Water flowing at seven miles per hour has the equivalent force per unit area as air blowing above 200 miles per hour.
If you are swept off your feet or tossed out of your tube, kayak or raft, you could be traveling downriver for a long time. If you fall into that cold water, it doesn’t take long to get yourself into serious trouble. Let go of all gear and your vessel that can weigh you down, and aggressively swim to get out of the river as fast as possible. The longer a person is in the water the higher chances of a preventable tragedy.
In 2022, Colorado experienced a low-flow snow runoff year, but it was still the deadliest year in Colorado waters with the majority of water-related deaths occurring in lakes and reservoirs. With high water on rivers this year, as of today, there have already been 12 Swiftwater-related fatalities in Colorado and three people are still unaccounted for.
“This year’s river flows are more dangerous compared to last year,” said Haskins. “We strongly encourage people to check river conditions before you head out, and if you arrive and see high and fast water conditions you don’t know how to navigate or feel unsure about, please don’t risk getting hurt and the need for a river rescue.”
For recreationists who still want to get out on the water this summer but don’t feel comfortable navigating the high water rapids, CPW recommends contacting a Colorado-licensed river outfitter for guidance. To learn more about river safety, visit cpw.state.co.us.
Rivers along the Front Range that are presenting dangerous conditions include the Arkansas River below the Lake Pueblo dam and the Arkansas in the Upper Arkansas Valley between Leadville and Pueblo, Clear Creek, the South Platte, Boulder Creek, Big Thompson and the Cache la Poudre River. Rivers on the Western Slope of the state including the Animas, Colorado River, Gunnison, Eagle and Roaring Fork River are all experiencing late-season runoff and dangerous high water conditions as well.
River and Stream Safety
Last year, the majority of fatalities occurred because people did not wear a life jacket. CPW advises the following safety measures when recreating on Colorado rivers, streams and lakes:
- Wear a life jacket and helmet.
- Dress accordingly: though the air temperature may be hot, the water is very cold.
- Check and scout the rapids and unknown sections of the river stretches you intend to run.
- Read section descriptions, ratings and river flows at https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-index
- Check river flows at https://dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations
- Water levels can rise quickly and without notice from heavy rain or snow melting in nearby mountains.
- Do not underestimate the power of currents and overestimate your swimming abilities.
- Don't paddle in conditions you are not comfortable and confident paddling in.
- Raft with a buddy and avoid floating alone, especially during high flows.
- If you fall into swift water, do not attempt to stand up because your foot might get stuck in a rock. Point your feet down the river and swim to shore as soon as possible.
- Never leave children unattended by a river.
Boaters heading out onto the water this weekend will see additional CPW officers enforcing boating under the influence (BUI) laws as part of Operation Dry Water.
CPW advises the following boating safety tips before heading out onto the water.
- Wear a life jacket.
- Be aware of weather and water conditions.
- Protect yourself from the dangers of cold water shock. Regardless of your age or experience level, cold water can quickly create a drowning emergency.
- Paddle boards and kayaks are considered vessels, and life jacket requirements apply.
- Follow boating speed limits and maintain a proper lookout to avoid hitting floating debris in waterways.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.