Protecting public safety on the state’s bodies of water can mean taking action when nature creates unexpected hazards. In early September, heavy rains created logjams from debris flows on the Colorado and Arkansas rivers, impacting rafters and rivergoers. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) staff jumped into action to clear away hazardous debris and restore water recreation opportunities.
Colorado River at Red Dirt Bridge
A brief but intense rainstorm in late July triggered two significant debris flows, creating dangerous conditions on the Colorado River north of Dotsero.
The first flow brought a large amount of woody debris into the river at Jack Flats. Downstream at Red Dirt Bridge, a second flow from the Posey Creek drainage combined with the debris from Jack Flats. This created a strainer that at one point cut the river in half. A strainer is a natural or man-made obstruction — such as a tree, a root system or fencing — that allows water to flow through but traps boats and people.
“River obstacles sometimes add an exciting challenge and can be something some rivergoers actively look for,” said Michael Haskins, CPW swift water investigator. “However, some obstacles like the one that formed from the debris flow in July can cause dangerous situations, especially if you are not anticipating them. River users should always be cautious around new river obstacles.”
Shortly after the debris flow, local residents had removed some of the debris, including two utility terrain vehicles and material from a collapsed bridge. Evaluating what remained, CPW decided to clear the remaining blockage to prevent potential hazards downstream, should another debris flow or heavy runoff occur next spring.
With more monsoon moisture anticipated that day, the team of four arrived early in the morning on Sept. 1 to remove what was left of the debris. Following a safety briefing and quick planning session, the team got to work. With a safety officer in place just downstream in case anyone fell in, they began tackling the larger logs first, cutting them into manageable pieces. From there, using large sticks, shovels and even their hands at times, they strategically started clearing smaller debris.
“It was like playing a game of Jenga,” Haskins said. “We had to be very careful as we slowly chipped away at the large pile of branches and twigs, as clearing one small branch could have dislodged the whole pile.”
After a few hours of careful work, the team successfully cleared the river channel that same day.
Media Kit: Photos and videos from the Sept. 1 removal operation
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Following an Aug. 22 storm, a massive logjam consisting of a dense accumulation of tree trunks, branches and woody debris blocking the flow of water formed on the Arkansas River below Hecla Junction, between Seidel’s Suck Hole and Twin Falls rapids. CPW’s Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) team initially documented the bank-to-bank blockage at about 100 yards. Its size, location and difficult access made a safe approach impractical, so CPW allowed the river to gradually break down the debris. By Sept. 2, the jam had shrunk to about 20 yards, creating an opportunity for staff to safely begin clearing a route through it.
“When it initially happened, my inclination was to wait until it broke up on its own,” said Tom Waters, AHRA park manager. “Once the jam had shrunk enough that we felt we could tackle what was left, the challenge was to figure out how we were going to approach this still massive logjam and, most importantly, do it safely.”
Nine staff members assigned to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area supported the Sept. 2 clearing effort, including a six-person river crew operating from two boats. Staff approached the jam from upstream and positioned themselves along the banks and on large boulders they accessed by boat. From these secure positions, they used paddles, long poles and other hand tools to pull and loosen debris. Rather than release the remaining jam as one mass toward Twin Falls Rapid, crews worked gradually from the edges toward the center. This allowed the river to carry away material as it was freed. The work opened a navigable channel along the river.
“While the river had never formally closed, the obstruction required boaters to carry their watercraft around the debris, adding a level of danger. With the debris removed, boaters can now safely raft that section of the Arkansas River without the detour,” continued Waters.
After opening the channel, CPW staff successfully floated to Stone Bridge to assess where the released debris had settled and whether it created additional hazards. Staff found the downstream section navigable with no significant new logjams resulting from the work.
River Safety Tips
CPW places a high priority on river safety and aims to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. River levels and conditions can change daily due to weather and flow variations. Those planning to spend time on the water are encouraged to follow these safety tips:
- Wear safety gear: Always wear a life jacket and helmet.
- Dress appropriately: Water temperatures remain very cold even on hot days.
- Scout ahead: Check and scout unknown sections of river stretches before running them.
- Know your limits: Do not underestimate current strength or overestimate your swimming abilities. Avoid paddling in uncomfortable conditions.
- Use the buddy system: Raft with a partner and avoid floating alone, especially during high flows.
- Swift water safety: If you fall into swift water, do not attempt to stand up — this can cause your foot to get stuck between rocks or other materials at the bottom. Point your feet downstream and swim to shore as soon as possible.
- Supervise children: Never leave children unattended near a river.
By: Rachael Gonzales, Northwest Region Public Information Officer
