Moffat County, CO – Sheriff Hume, after consultation with the City of Craig and the Yampa River Corridor Project Manager (Craig Whitewater Park) has concluded, in the interest of public safety the Yampa River corridor between Pebble Beach and the Loudy Simpson Yampa River Access will be closed to tubing, single chamber flotation devices, SUP-stand up paddle boards, and any other similar water recreation device or watercraft. This closure takes effect April 15, 2025.

At present, water park feature construction activities are taking place within the river corridor. The presence of construction machinery creates a dangerous environment, hindering safe navigation on or in the river. The snowpack in the Yampa River Basin is currently close to the median level. Given the anticipated increase in temperatures and water levels, the hazardous conditions in the construction zone of the Craig Whitewater Park are expected to continue until the completion of the work.

The closure includes watercraft such as, flat-water canoes, SUP- Stand up Paddle Boards, single-chamber rafts/tubes, single-chamber belly boats, inner tubes and any other similar water recreation device or watercraft. The closure prohibits floating the river between Pebble Beach and the Loudy Simpson River Access.

The closure does not include whitewater rafts, whitewater canoes or kayaks. Nonetheless, rafters, kayakers and canoeists are urged to exercise caution and wear personal protection equipment, including a life jacket.

This closure order is effective April 15, 2025. Unless rescinded sooner, the order shall be considered in full effect for the next 30 days. The sheriff is authorized to close waterways under Colorado Revised Statute C.R.S. 33-13-110 & 33-13-111.

By Order of the Sheriff

K.C. Hume, Sheriff

Moffat County Sheriff’s Office

800 West 1st Street Suite 100

Craig, Colorado 81625

970.924.4495

E-mail: khume@sheriff.moffat.co.us