BOULDER, Colo. — The waters of Boulder Creek are frigid, running high and moving fast – the dangerous conditions prompted the county sheriff to close the creek to tubers on Wednesday.
The Boulder County Sheriff's Office said the closure includes the Boulder Creek from below Boulder Falls at Highway 119, to 55th Street in the city of Boulder.
The sheriff's office said the creek is flowing at around 701 cubic feet per second and as temperatures rise, the flow rates will begin to rise, too. The creek closure includes recreational watercraft like single-chamber rafts, single-chamber belly boats and inner tubes.
The closure will remain in place until the creek's water flow levels are considered safer for single-chamber flotation devices such as tubes and inflatable rafts. Violations of the closure will result in a $100 fine.
Kayaks and white-water canoes are still permitted on the creek, with a warning that the water might still be dangerous. The sheriff urged anyone spending time on the water to use caution and wear safety gear like a life jacket, wet or dry suit and a helmet while in and around the water.
> Watch video above: More creeks close to tubing, swimming as rivers run high
Spring run-off, and the normally 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," said the sheriff's office. "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.”
The sheriff's office closed tubing access to the North and Saint Vrain Creeks on June 7 because of fast-moving and rising water.
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