The National Weather Service is urging everyone to use caution around rivers, streams, and creeks. Avoid flooded areas and especially stay away from banks along swollen and flooded waterways.
Spring snow melt has caused high flows on many rivers and creeks in western Colorado and eastern Utah. However, cooler weather this spring has delayed the snow melt and kept copious amounts of snow at higher elevations especially in northwest and west central Colorado, as well as in northeast Utah. Therefore, river flows have not yet peaked.
At higher flows, river banks can quickly become saturated and unstable. Caution is urged near waterways, as river banks can erode or collapse unexpectedly. Do not let children play near high flowing rivers, creeks, and canals.
River rafters and kayakers should use caution on rivers with high flows that contain strong currents, river debris, and cold water temperatures. Novices should ride with experienced guides.