June 5, 2024 (Golden, Colo.) — Effective at 8:00 a.m. on June 5, 2024, Golden Chief of Police Joe Harvey, in conjunction with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, will restrict waterway activities on Clear Creek. These temporary restrictions apply to Clear Creek in unincorporated Jefferson County, as well as those portions of Clear Creek within the City of Golden, including Vanover Park.

Water activities prohibited by the order include all single-chambered air inflated devices such as belly boats, inner tubes, and single chambered rafts, as well as “body-surfers” and swimming. Kayaks, whitewater canoes and multi-chambered professionally guided rafts, river boards, and Stand-Up Paddle Boards (SUPB) are exempt but are encouraged to observe extreme caution due to the safety concerns surrounding swift moving water and floating debris. All the above authorized users and occupants must have and use a Type I, Type III, or Type V Coast Guard-approved paddling life jacket and a water use designed helmet.

The reasoning for this decision is as follows:

• Clear Creek is a known Type IV water area, which increases public risk due to water temperature, blasted rock, undercut rocks, potential strainers, and other safety considerations.
• Water flows are expected to rise as the snowpack continues to melt in the coming days.
• Water height is also increasing and will continue to increase as the snowpack melts.

Violators may be issued a summons for a class 2 petty offense, punishable by a fine of one hundred dollars. These restrictions will be strictly enforced to minimize the risk to those using the waterway.

These temporary water restrictions will remain in effect until water levels decrease.

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for_immediate_release_creek_closure_effective_june_5_6-5-24.pdf

for_immediate_release_creek_closure_effective_june_5_6-5-24.pdf