Rising water forces limits on recreational use of Clear Creek

JEFFERSON COUNTY – Clear Creek is off-limits to most users after rapidly rising water from a quickly melting snow pack forced the Sheriff’s Office to limit activities until further notice.

The Sheriff’s Office ban targets all single-chamber inflated devices such as belly boats, inner tubes and inflatable rafts without separate air chambers. Kayaks, white-water canoes and multi-chamber rafts operated by professional guides will be allowed to use the waterway.

The Sheriff’s Office ban and a similar restriction imposed by the Golden Police Department went into effect at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 9.

The restrictions apply to the stretch of Clear Creek between the county’s western border at State Highway 119 eastward through Clear Creek Canyon and the city limits of Golden to Vanover Park.

Violators risk getting a summons for a Class 2 petty offense, punishable by a $100 fine.

“These restrictions will be strictly enforced in an effort to minimize the risk to those using the waterway,” according to Jacki Kelley, Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman. “Kayaks, whitewater canoes and multi-chambered professionally guided rafts are exempt, but are encouraged to observe extreme caution due to the safety concerns surrounding swift moving water and floating debris.”

The restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.