With Spring runoff surging along, and warmer weather settling in, river levels are on the rise for the Yampa (800+ cfs) and Elk (1,000+ cfs) Rivers, creating potentially hazardous conditions.
Public safety agencies are urging residents and guests to exercise extra caution around fast-moving streams and rivers, especially during the spring runoff season, which continues to show increased signs of strengthening.
“It’s easy to be complacent around the Yampa River and our other water bodies because there is so much recreation on them,” said Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue Fire Chief Chuck Cerasoli. “This time of year, the high water and cold-water temperatures pose significant risks and should never be underestimated.”
The Yampa River is one of Steamboat Springs’ popular recreation locations. Rafters, kayakers, and SUPers should always wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and practice river safety. Tubing is NOT recommended until flows drop below 700 cfs, which will be quite a while with current volumes.
In addition, bridges such as the railroad bridge (behind the Flower Mill), 5th Street Bridge and the ones downriver near Steamboat II and the Steamboat Golf Club bring additional hazards and low clearance issues. When flows exceed 2,400 cfs, traveling under these bridges is not recommended.
If you’re not an experienced boater or with a professional outfitter, it’s best to stay out of the water. These tips should always be followed:
| Never Kayak/Raft/SUP AloneWear A PFD & Helmet Be Prepared For Extremes In Weather | Never Mix Alcohol and River UseWatch Out For Your Kids and Pets along Water EdgeCarry A First Aid Kit & Know How To Use It. |
If you lose a watercraft on the river, let public safety responders know you’re okay. Each year numerous calls of concern are received when an empty craft is seen floating downriver. If you do lose your kayak/SUP/raft, call the non-emergency dispatch number 970-879-1144 with the location and description of your vessel. First, dispatch will be happy to know you’re okay; and, that there’s no cause for emergency services to respond. SSFR is trained in swift water rescue and ready to respond; however, the best deterrent to requiring their assistance is individual responsibility, river awareness, safety knowledge and common-sense. But of course, if you need them, call immediately!
Rising Waters The One Time You Want to Sandbag It
The city’s sand stations ebb and flow just like the waterways they are located near. In anticipation of rising water, sand stations are established in several locations as run off season continues churning and different rivers and creek are impacted.
“During runoff, different areas surge at different times with the Yampa River generally hitting its peak in late May or early June,” commented Streets Superintendent David Van Winkle. “We’re just ending April and with a lot of snow remaining at higher elevations, we’ll be monitoring areas for flooding until those peaks are reached over the coming months.”
This week, the Yampa River is hovering just below 1,000 cubic feet per second, increasing nearly 500cfs. Water temperatures remain very cold, fluctuating between 40-50°F for the past week. Waterways will continue to rise with melting snow and area precipitation, which remains in the forecast with snow and showers over the coming days.
The Streets Division supplies sand and sandbags for residential properties within city limits that need them on a case-by-case basis. The homeowner needs to fill and place sandbags. Commercial properties and residential neighborhoods with frequent needs must acquire their own sandbags.
Typically, the following sand stations will become available as needed to city residents when different streams and creeks move toward peak runoff:
| Stehley Park (peaked) Crawford and Pahwintah Honey Suckle Lane | Short and James (peaked) 9th and Pine Willow Brook Court | Pamela Lane Stone Lane |
Contact Streets at 970-879-1807 during office hours, or the on call supervisor at 970-819-2291 after hoursto access materials. If you are experiencing a flooding emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.
If outside city limits, check with your local municipality or Routt County on availability of sand and sandbags. The USGS monitoring site on the Yampa River at the 5th Street Bridge tracks water temperature, discharge, and gage height among other data.