Article Contributed on: 6/26/2009 12:08:03 PM
Golden, Colo. - June 26, 2009 - The City of Golden wants to warn anyone who plans on spending time along Clear Creek that the water is running dangerously high and fast. For the first time since June 2, the creek flow has exceeded 1000-cubic-feet-per-second.
This measurement level was surpassed on June 25, and June 26, and is well above the average for June and is approximately three-times the flow rate the creek will have by the end of July. Two popular areas along the creek in downtown Golden, the play area on the east side of Washington Avenue and the amphitheater behind Golden Fire Station 1, are partially under water (see attached photos).
With warm weather over the past few days, both of these areas have experienced people and pets wading in the water. It does not take very much to lose your balance or to slip on wet areas, both of which could easily send a child, an adult, or a pet into the creek. While the water may be inviting and refreshing, it is not worth losing a life.
The Splash, located next to Fossil Trace Golf Club, is open daily throughout the summer and is a family-friendly, safe environment to seek relief from the warm summer temperatures.
Conditions along the creek are always hazardous and the increased water level and flow rates will continue until the snow-melt ceases at higher elevations. If you must recreate along the creek please be sure to utilize the appropriate safety equipment and keep children and pets away from the water's edge.