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For Immediate Release • May 17, 2010
Staff Contact: Bill Powell, PWNR Business Services Manager, 303-651-8348
View the most recent Press Releases.
Recent moisture will cause significantly higher steamflows
MAY 17, 2010 - Due to recent rain and snowfall events within the Saint Vrain watershed, it is expected that significantly higher streamflow will occur in the Saint Vrain Creek running through the City of Longmont starting this week. River flows can increase dramatically, without warning. Flooding is the number one weather-related killer in the United States. Citizens are advised to not play in or near the Saint Vrain Creek, and especially do not allow any pets or small children near the water.
Due to the recent drought, it has been a number of years since there has been a significant streamflow through Longmont. This will make the rivers and creeks even more dangerous than normal as logs and other material that have accumulated over the past few years break loose and become part of the flow.
Nearly all area reservoirs are currently full. Therefore, with the exception of area ditches diverting water for irrigation purposes, all snowmelt and future rainfall events will flow through Longmont via the Saint Vrain and Left Hand Creeks. Typically the peak run-off occurs during the first week of June, however, this can vary by two weeks or more depending primarily on temperature and rainfall.
Up to date Saint Vrain Creek streamflow information is available online at: http://www.dwr.state.co.us/SurfaceWater/data/district.aspx?div=1&dist=5
For additional information please call the Public Works & Natural Resources at 303.651.8376.
The City Open Space Rangers will be patrolling the St. Vrain and Left Hand greenways to monitor the stream flow on the Saint Vrain Creek. If the water level inundates the greenway, certain portions of the greenway will be closed.
Check the City website at www.ci.longmont.co.us for the latest information on greenway closures and stream conditions.
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