Sheriff implements tubing ban on the Saint Vrain River
The Saint Vrain River is currently flowing at over 1,300 CFS
Lyons, Colo. - Sheriff Joe Pelle, in consultation with
Victoria Simonsen, the Lyons Town Administrator, and Lyons Fire Chief J.J.
Hoffman, has concluded that, in the interest of public safety, the Saint Vrain
Creeks and River will be closed to tubing and single chamber flotation devices until
safety conditions improve.
The closure will take effect immediately, and will encompass
the North and South Saint Vrain Creeks and the Saint Vrain River from the
western county line through the entire length of Boulder County. Sheriff's
deputies will be posting notices, advising recreationists of the closure.
The closure includes watercraft such as single chamber
rafts, single chamber belly boats, and inner tubes from floating in the creek.
There is a specific exemption for kayaks and white water canoes, which are
permitted; nonetheless, kayakers are strongly encouraged to exercise caution
and wear personal protection equipment including a life jacket.
As of today, the Saint Vrain River was flowing at
approximately 1300 cubic feet per second (CFS); the volume at which Emergency
Services can initiate a closure is 1200 CFS.
The Sheriff is authorized to close the creek under Colorado
Revised Statute (CRS) 33-13-111. Violations of the closure are a class 2 petty
offense and will result in a $50.00 fine.
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/s/ Sgt. Dave Booton
Emergency Services Unit
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