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ENLARGE
Busy water on the Lower Blue near Silverthorne.
SUMMIT COUNTY — Local officials are still keeping a close eye on river flows, but the immediate threat of floods in low-lying areas has dropped in the past few days.
Flows in the Blue River were very near 1,800 cubic feet per second the past few days. The level prompted a small stream flood advisory, specifically for the Blue River through Silverthorne and northward. Fewer showers are expected today, so flows could moderate slightly.
Water commissioner Scott Hummer said the levels aren't unusual. He said runoff from high elevations, rain and lack of diversions to the Front Range combined to send flows upward during the past week. Denver Water's East Slope reservoirs are full, so no water is flowing out through Dillon Reservoir's Roberts Tunnel, which can take as much as 800 cubic feet per second.
In the Upper Blue, Colorado Springs has cut diversions through a tunnel under Hoosier Pass
“I'm surprised at the flow that's moving through the reservoir. I didn't think we'd see those types of flows,” Hummer said.
In the South Forty neighborhood, the river was swollen to its banks Thursday morning, just a few inches below the backyards of many residents. Farther south, Hummer said some agricultural water ditches are overflowing their headgates.
Streams flowing out of the Gore Range, including Boulder Creek and Cataract Creek, are also flowing high. By the time the Blue reaches Green Mountain Reservoir, it's flowing at a rate of nearly 3,000 cubic feet per second, Hummer said. Green Mountain Reservoir is filling rapidly.
Near- to above-normal snowfall in large parts of the Colorado River Basin will add up to average inflow for Lake Powell. The spring rains have provided a nice boost for the key reservoir between the lower and upper Colorado.
Flows on the main stem of the Colorad spiked May 21-23 as all major reservoirs released water in a coordinated effort to boost habitat for four endangered Colorado River fish.
Flows in the Blue River were very near 1,800 cubic feet per second the past few days. The level prompted a small stream flood advisory, specifically for the Blue River through Silverthorne and northward. Fewer showers are expected today, so flows could moderate slightly.
Water commissioner Scott Hummer said the levels aren't unusual. He said runoff from high elevations, rain and lack of diversions to the Front Range combined to send flows upward during the past week. Denver Water's East Slope reservoirs are full, so no water is flowing out through Dillon Reservoir's Roberts Tunnel, which can take as much as 800 cubic feet per second.
In the Upper Blue, Colorado Springs has cut diversions through a tunnel under Hoosier Pass
“I'm surprised at the flow that's moving through the reservoir. I didn't think we'd see those types of flows,” Hummer said.
In the South Forty neighborhood, the river was swollen to its banks Thursday morning, just a few inches below the backyards of many residents. Farther south, Hummer said some agricultural water ditches are overflowing their headgates.
Streams flowing out of the Gore Range, including Boulder Creek and Cataract Creek, are also flowing high. By the time the Blue reaches Green Mountain Reservoir, it's flowing at a rate of nearly 3,000 cubic feet per second, Hummer said. Green Mountain Reservoir is filling rapidly.
Near- to above-normal snowfall in large parts of the Colorado River Basin will add up to average inflow for Lake Powell. The spring rains have provided a nice boost for the key reservoir between the lower and upper Colorado.
Flows on the main stem of the Colorad spiked May 21-23 as all major reservoirs released water in a coordinated effort to boost habitat for four endangered Colorado River fish.
Still on alert
The high water in the Blue River and other tributaries still has local safety officials on alert for potential swift-water rescues. Kayakers and rafters should keep an eye out for low bridges and tricky snags, and anglers need to watch for big floating logs and swirling stumps along the banks.All weekend visitors to the county should be heads-up around the water. Parents need to be mindful of kids playing near streams, local sheriff's deputies said, also warning that dogs can sometimes be pulled into dangerous white water. The owners subsequently get in trouble when they try to rescue their pets.
Chances for showers remain in the forecast the next few days, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Sudden downpours could quickly swell local streams.
For weather and safety information related to high water, go to http://www.co.summit.co.us/emergencymanagement/.
