Effective on June 12 at 5:00 p.m.

Boulder County, Colo. - Sheriff Curtis Johnson, working with the City of Boulder, has concluded that, in the interest of public safety, Boulder Creek will be closed to tubing and single chamber flotation devices. The closure will take effect on June 12, 2024, at 5:00 p.m., and encompass Boulder Creek from below Boulder Falls at Highway 119, to 55^th Street in the city of Boulder.

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, Boulder Creek was flowing at approximately 701 CFS and is expected to continue to increase as temperatures rise. Spring run-off, and the normal 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. 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.

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 waterway 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 closure will remain in place until the water flow levels in the creek reduce to a level that is deemed to be safer for single chamber flotation devices.

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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