The Arkansas River flow is setting records.
The river has only been this high a few times in the last 30 years. Pine Creek and the Numbers are currently at 3,700 cubic feet per second, Browns Canyon is at 4,470 CFS and the Royal Gorge is at 4,860.
High water level result in an increased presence of debris, which can pose significant hazards.
All sections of the river should be navigated with heightened awareness and safety precautions.
With the high water in mind, Salida City staff and contractors have been monitoring the Scout Wave in Salida’s Whitewater Park to determine the point at which it would transition from a standing wave to a crashing wave. The transition was confirmed at 3,200 cubic feet per second.
The city is urging all users to exercise extreme caution. Using the river park for surfing is not recommended at this time. Also, the city is recommending that all boaters utilize the bypass channel on river left.
