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Officials Urge Caution Around Raging Rivers

Grace Hood
/
KUNC
The Poudre River rages near Poudre Park on May 30, 2014.

As temperatures rise, many flock to rivers and streams to cool off. Northern Colorado safety officials are urging “extreme caution” as rivers swell from their banks with higher-than-average snowpack. In the span of two weeks, three have died in the Poudre River due to the unsafe conditions.

Fort Collins Police Services has issued a partial use restriction prohibiting the use of single chamber air-inflated devices like inner tubes. Boulder County, Jefferson County and the Golden Police Department have also issued bans against tubing in Clear and Boulder creek.

While it’s not issuing use restrictions for the Poudre River, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office said in a recent press release said that “we strong discourage river recreation in unsafe conditions and or with inadequate safety equipment.” It’s urging those who want to enjoy the river to connect with a commercial rafting company:

...they have qualified instructors, safety equipment, trained staff and emergency protocols already in place. These extra measures decrease, but do not eliminate all the risks.

Across much of Northern Colorado there are Flood Watches and Warnings. A Warning remains in effect for the Poudre River near Greeley. A Flood Advisory is in effect for the Poudre River near the mouth of the Canyon, the Snake River near Montezuma, and parts of the South Platte River near Kersey, Weldona and Balzac.

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