By Shannon Lukens. (File photos)
The Yampa River is open for tubing but it is still very cold and running very fast.
River levels have dropped below 700 cubic feet per second (cfs) which means the commercial and recreational tubing season in Steamboat Springs can start. But the City of Steamboat Springs says the water is still moving fast and it is still between 50-60 degrees. Private tubing is recommended from Fetcher Park to the James Brown Bridge/Shield Drive. The city also says to wear the appropriate gear, like a life vest and helmet. Wear river shoes and not flip flops. And always rig to flip. There is also a ban on disposable containers on the river.
Pete Van De Carr who owns Backdoor Sports and rents out tubes all summer says the river has just barely dipped below 700 cfs. It’s at 600 cfs which means it is still rushing. He says, “People that aren’t ready for a Western Mountain River should wait a week or two.” He says to know before you go and to follow the lead of the local outfitters as for as safety and common sense.
Here are more details in a Press Release from the City of Steamboat Springs; June 28, 2023.
Inflate Your Tubes-Summer Operations Getting Ready to Flow
No Disposable Containers & New River Ambassadors on Yampa River
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-June 28, 2023-Tubers will blow life into the summer season as flows on the Yampa River have dropped below 700 cubic feet per second (cfs) this week, which traditionally signals the start of tubing season for commercial and recreational users.
“While the river is open for tubing, it’s still moving extremely fast and the water remains very cold,” gushed Parks, Open Space & Trails Manager Craig Robinson. “Please use caution and always have safety at the forefront anytime you head onto the water.”
Private tubing is recommended from Fetcher Park to the James Brown Bridge/Shield Drive. Commercial tubing is permitted from 5th Street to the James Brown Bridge/Shield Drive. If you are unsure of how to tube, consider going with a pro. Steamboat Springs has several commercial operators, who provide everything you need to enjoy a day on the river.
Before you ever dip a toe into the water, all water users should know the basics before diving in. Wear the appropriate gear (life vests, river shoes, helmet, etc.), no flip flops, always rig to flip (because it’s not a matter of if, but when) and exercise proper river etiquette.
The ban on disposable containers remains in effect this summer. The ordinance bans all disposable containers on the river. This means cans, plastic bottles, glass, bags, and Styrofoam cooler are not permitted at any time. Tubers can bring a reusable container like a Nalgene bottle, metal growler or similar beverage holder, which should be securely attached to their tube.
- Never Tube/Kayak/Raft/SUP Alone
- Wear A Personal Floatation Device (PFD)
- Be Prepared For Extremes In Weather
- Never Mix Alcohol and River Use
- Watch Out For Your Kids and Pets along Water Edge
- Carry A First Aid Kit & Know How To Use It.
All tube sales within the city come with a $5 fee. The funds generated go toward river education, initiatives, and stewardship. As part of the education effort, the city works with Ollie the Otter and his river friends to spread the word on river etiquette and ways to enjoy the river safely and sustainably.
Friends of the Yampa is teaming up with the city to provide stewardship, education, and support for all river users through the River Ambassador program. River users can expect to see ambassadors at recreational put in locations, pop-up events and other locations along the waterway this summer. For more on tubing, visit steamboatsprings.net/tubing.