(PUEBLO, Colo.) — After activity restrictions were implemented on a portion of the Arkansas River earlier this week due to “dangerously fast-flowing and high water along the river,” the Pueblo Fire Department (PFD) and the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) announced on Friday, June 14 that those restrictions have since been lifted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) from the spillway of the Pueblo Dam to the Pueblo County/Otero County line.
Courtesy: PFD, PCSO
“The decision… is partly a result of the water flow rate along the affected area dropping to about 4,000 cubic feet per second (CFS),” according to a press release sent on behalf of PFD and PCSO. “Flows in excess of these have been determined to be dangerous and pose an increased risk to people in the water, as well as emergency responders.”
Tubing, along with whitewater canoes and kayaks, which were previously restricted, are now allowed for this portion of the Arkansas River. PFD and PCSO also reminded the public to keep the following in mind:
Always wear a properly fitted life jacket when on or in the water.
A Type III personal flotation device, approved by the United States Coast Guard, is required to be worn when entering the Arkansas River (PMC 11-1-700; CRS § 33-13-110 (2)(a) and (2)(c)).
The strength of the currents can be deceptive. What may appear to be a slow-moving current can challenge even experienced swimmers.
The water temperature is much colder than the air temperature.
The community is reminded that restrictions may be reinstated if conditions change on the river.
