Effective June 7, 2024, at 12:00 p.m.

Boulder County, Colo. - Sheriff Curtis Johnson, after consultation with the Town of Lyons and the Lyons Fire Protection District, has concluded that, in the interest of public safety, the North and Saint Vrain creeks and river will be closed to tubing and single chamber flotation devices. The closure will take effect on June 7, 2024, at 12:00 p.m., and encompass the North Saint Vrain and Saint Vrain Creek from Apple Valley Road to North Foothills Highway.

The closure includes watercraft such as single-chamber rafts, single-chamber belly boats, and inner tubes from floating in the creek. Sheriff's deputies will be posting notices and advising recreationists of the closure.

Today, the Saint Vrain River was flowing at approximately 768 Cubic Feet per Second (CFS) and is expected to continue to increase. Spring run-off, and the normal scheduled release of water from the local reservoirs, will cause the creeks and rivers to continue to rise.

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, wet or dry suit, and a helmet.

If you are recreating on a creek that is not impacted by the closure, or using an exempted watercraft, please be aware that the water conditions still may not be safe for your skill and comfort level. Always use caution and wear personal safety equipment when recreating in bodies of water.

The sheriff is authorized to close waterways under Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S.) 33-13-110(2)(c). Violations of the closure are a civil infraction and will result in a $100.00 fine.

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/s/ Carrie Haverfield, Sr. Communications Specialist