By Shannon Lukens.
It’s tubing time on the Yampa River. 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. But the city reports water is still moving fast and it’s cold so be aware and be careful. Wear a life vest and river shoes, and possibly a helmet.
Press release from the City of Steamboat Springs; July 3, 2024.
Summer Tubing Operations Getting Ready to Flow
River Ambassadors Engagements & No Disposable Containers on Yampa River
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-July 3, 2024-Tubers will blow life into the summer season and the July 4th holiday 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 has dipped under the 700 cfs threshold, it’s still flowing extremely fast and the water remains cold,” said Deputy Director Rob Burdine. “Enjoy the river, but please use caution and always have safety at the forefront anytime you head onto the water. Families with children may want to wait a bit longer to tube until flows drop even further.”
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 recreate safely, consider going with a pro. Steamboat Springs has several commercial operators, who provide everything you need to enjoy a day on the river.
All tube sales within the city require a $5 fee. The funds generated go toward river education, asset 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.
Before you ever dip a toe into the water, river users should know the basics before jumping in. Always rig to flip because it’s not a matter of if, but when. Wear the appropriate gear (life vests, river shoes, helmet, etc.), no flip flops, and exercise proper river etiquette.
| · Never Tube/Kayak/Raft/SUP Alone
· Wear A Personal Floatation Device (PFD) · Be Prepared For Extremes In Weather |
· Never Mix Alcohol and River Use
· Be Aware Of Potential Hazards Along Waters Edge · Carry A First Aid Kit & Know How To Use It. |
No disposable containers are permitted on the river. This means cans, plastic bottles, glass, bags, and Styrofoam coolers 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.
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.