Snowpack runoff is quickly filling creeks and rivers creating hazards, including at waterfalls.
On Sunday, a woman was critically injured at Cornet Falls outside Telluride after debris from the 80-foot waterfall hit her in the head.
Rescuers from Telluride EMS, San Miguel Search and Rescue, and volunteer firefighters responded to the incident on the Cornet Falls Trail.
The woman was stabilized and carried out on a litter, then was transported to Telluride Medical Center.
“Be safe around cliffs and waterfalls during runoff, as falling debris including rocks and ice are likely,” states the San Miguel Rescue Facebook post.
Recent sunny warm weather has accelerated snowmelt, triggering the boating season.
On May 5, the Dolores River at Dolores was running at 1,300 cubic feet per second, up from 350 cfs on April 28, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The San Juan River at the Four Corners is running at 2,000 cfs, and the Animas River at Durango is flowing at 2,000 cfs.
The Dolores River Boating Advocates has released recommendations for responsible boating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The recommendations include:
Don’t congregate at boat ramps or parking are in violation of social-distancing rules. “Public officials have told us clearly that if there are too many people congregating at access points they may be forced to close them to the public,” states the DRBA website.
Only run sections of rivers close to home and below your normal skill level. Rescue take resources away from public health emergency needs. Avoid high-risk and remote areas. Know public health orders and restrictions in areas you plan to boat through. If local officials are asking non-residents to stay away, respect their request.
