Water Levels in the River Expected to Rise
Warmer Temperatures Increase Runoff into River
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| 2009 Colorado River Photo |
Mesa County, Colorado-- Some residents may have already taken notice of the slightly rising water levels. As predicted, the river and creek levels in Mesa County are rising due to the wonderful spring weather and above average snow pack in the high country.
Counties in the Colorado River Basin will be experiencing 4-5 days of slightly higher than average temperatures for this time of year. This will result in above freezing temperatures in the high county and 3-4 days of 24-hour snow melt being possible. Not to worry, though--river forecasters are not expecting any critical river levels because temperatures look to cool off beginning next Wednesday. Water levels on the Colorado River in Mesa County are expected to increase by as much as two feet by mid-week.
With the continued increase of water during the spring, the Colorado River's flow patterns will change, increase currents, and cause dangerous debris to dislodge, increasing the amount of debris in the water. Combine all that with the freezing water temperatures from the runoff, and unstable river banks, it can be deadly.
For all individuals who plan to be recreating on or around the river during this time, we urge you to take extreme caution. We advise all individuals to use personal flotation devices and avoid the use of single air chamber devices, such as inner tubes to float the river.
The Mesa County Sheriff's Office hopes for a great recreational season on the river, and reminds everyone to excise caution and look for upcoming updates on the spring runoff for the 2014 season. For a variety of emergency updates in #MesaCounty, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo, using #GVCopBeat.
Counties in the Colorado River Basin will be experiencing 4-5 days of slightly higher than average temperatures for this time of year. This will result in above freezing temperatures in the high county and 3-4 days of 24-hour snow melt being possible. Not to worry, though--river forecasters are not expecting any critical river levels because temperatures look to cool off beginning next Wednesday. Water levels on the Colorado River in Mesa County are expected to increase by as much as two feet by mid-week.
With the continued increase of water during the spring, the Colorado River's flow patterns will change, increase currents, and cause dangerous debris to dislodge, increasing the amount of debris in the water. Combine all that with the freezing water temperatures from the runoff, and unstable river banks, it can be deadly.
For all individuals who plan to be recreating on or around the river during this time, we urge you to take extreme caution. We advise all individuals to use personal flotation devices and avoid the use of single air chamber devices, such as inner tubes to float the river.
The Mesa County Sheriff's Office hopes for a great recreational season on the river, and reminds everyone to excise caution and look for upcoming updates on the spring runoff for the 2014 season. For a variety of emergency updates in #MesaCounty, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo, using #GVCopBeat.
