Boulder County creeks at a low flow going into holiday weekend

Kelsey Hammon, Daily Times-Call, Longmont, Colo.
·3 min read

May 28—Families planning to spend some time in the sun tubing and kayaking this holiday weekend will find Boulder County creeks at a low flow, although Boulder Creek could rise after a potential Sunday spill from Barker Dam.

Boulder Creek as of Friday was running at 99.5 cubic feet per second. The South St. Vrain in Lyons was measuring 145 cfs and the North St. Vrain Creek was at 95.70 cfs. Over in Longmont, David Bell, director of Parks and Natural Resources, said that the St. Vrain Creek was at 64 cfs.

"While that means that the water currents aren't as swift, it does also add in the safety issue of potentially hitting rocks," said Carrie Haverfield, Boulder County Sheriff's Office spokesperson.

Barker Dam spill

Boulder Creek could see a water level change, as city officials prepare for the annual spill from Barker Dam. According to Julie Causa, Boulder spokesperson, the spill could come as soon as Sunday.

Causa said once the Barker Dam spill occurs, residents can expect to see an increase in water flowing through Boulder Creek.

"Community members are urged to take caution near the creek during the high-flow period, which may last several weeks," Causa said.

Ken Huson, Longmont Water Resources manager, said Longmont isn't expecting any release from Button Rock over the weekend that would cause a change in the Saint Vrain Creek streamflow at Dickens Park.

Longmont, Lyons tubing rentals resume

Adventure West River Tube Rentals returns to Longmont Saturday in the Saint Vrain Greenway Parking lot, across from Elevated. The business partnered with the city last year to offer a shuttle service and tube rentals near a water course at Dickens Farm Nature Area.

Connor Clay, Adventure West manager, said he was eager to be back in Longmont and hopes to spread more awareness for the business' operations this year.

Those interested can walk up to reserve a tube or book a reservation online. Rentals are available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday to Monday this weekend. The package that involves a shuttle service and tube rental does require registration. To learn more, visit: adventurewestco.com/tube-longmont.

In Lyons, Ray's River Rentals opens Saturday. People can rent from the business from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday to Monday. The business is located in LaVern M. Johnson Park, 600 Park Drive. To learn more, visit: raysriverrentals.com

Ray Mees, of Ray's River Rentals, said the business will rent when the water flow is less than 250 cfs through the park and below 500 cfs through Lyons.

Even with a low flow, Bell encouraged people to be cautious in the water.

"The creek always has a risk," Bell said. "It doesn't really matter the amount of water, it really depends on your skill levels and what can happen out there. Always be aware of that. I recommend bringing a personal flotation device out on the creek, which always reduces that risk."