Poudre Rock Report

River Update for Labor Day Weekend

Camp Falbo — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:23:27 +0000

Bridges Run is Open! Yeah! Belfor Environmental officially finished the clean up of the “original” tanker spill yesterday and have re-opened the stretch of river between MM113 & 115- the Bridges Run.

That’s the good news. The bad news, as you have all heard, another tanker dumped it’s wad into our beloved riv on the Filter Plant Run. Fortunately, that spill was quickly contained due to the low flow of the river, geologic features of the crash site, the EPA official witnessing the accident, and Belfor being only 4 miles away and acting quickly. They expect clean-up to be completed by Tue.

What does this mean for river flows through Bridges? The morning of Crash II the water officials released more water for the boaters (I mean the farmers), which they were able to divert through the Monroe Tunnel at the North Poudre Diversion (just below BTO) just in time to avoid a catastrophe at the crash site. I don’t know if they are still flowing all that water, which could potentially help make the Bridges Run boat-able. I would imagine the farmers need the water, still. Either way, the Bridges Run is open for whatever recreation you desire.

Have fun, and Be Safe!

Another Poudre River Closure

Camp Falbo — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:44:22 +0000

Boaters and friends of the Poudre, another asphalt truck has landed in the river, four miles downstream from the first. The clean-up crews were hoping to be done with the Bridges clean up by this weekend, and now they have another incident on the Filter Plant. The Filter Plant run will be closed to all activities for at least a week, perhaps two.

Water flow update- they had just released more water for the farmers this morning and are diverting it at the North Poudre Diversion (Monroe Tunnel) at MM 115.5 (the low head damn just downstream from BTO). I will keep you posted as more info comes in. For now, the flow through Filter Plant is about 25cfs. Have a safe holiday weekend.

Bridges Still Closed

Camp Falbo — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 14:22:44 +0000

Boaters, the clean up is going well- they have 50% of the tar bagged and tagged. However, the remaining 50% (including what’s on the near shore where the truck came to rest) will take the remainder of the week to clean up. The EPA is “hopeful” they can finish the clean-up and open the river for recreation (and drinking water for Ft Collins and Greeley) by the Labor Day weekend. As soon as I hear news I will relay it to you.

In the mean time, the canyon will remain cool today- highs in the upper 60’s, maybe touching the low 70’s- partly cloudy and late afternoon thunder showers. Have fun and be safe.

Bridges Run Still Closed

Camp Falbo — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:58:41 +0000

Still closed for clean up.

Bridges Still Closed

Camp Falbo — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:35:50 +0000

Per Larimer County Sheriff, CDOT, Forest Service and EPA, the Bridges Run will remain closed until further notice. As soon as something changes I will let you all know. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Bridges Run Update

Camp Falbo — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:50:49 +0000

I am still looking for the official word on the status of the Bridges Run closure. In the mean time, check out boater/PFA Capt. Kelly Close’s images of the scene to see the severity of the situation at http://flickr.com/gp/kclose/H947K6. As you can see from the photos, our beloved River is majorly contaminated. All early reports anticipate a long clean-up.

Bridges Run CLOSED Today, 8/26

Camp Falbo — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:57:10 +0000

CDOT, Colorado State Patrol and the US EPA have suspended all river activities between mile marker 113 (Bridges Put-In) and mile marker 117 (just below Filter Plant Put-In), today to facilitate clean up from a Hazardous Materials spill in the river just above Killer Bridge. Please do not attempt to boat, fish or do any other activities in this area. This is a very serious spill, and the EPA, CSP and CDOT will be monitoring the area. It is unknown how long the clean up will take. I will keep you posted as I learn more.

Pine View 0.75 at 1100 on 8/23

Camp Falbo — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:49:46 +0000

That’s it, the river has subsided to it’s post season meander. Today we can expect mid 80’s with afternoon Isolated T-Storms.

Unless Noah’s floodwaters bless us with some late season runoff, this will be my last post on the Poudre Rock Report. It’s been another fine season. I look forward to “seeing” you all next year. Be well- Tony

Pine View 1.0- at 0700 on 8/21

Camp Falbo — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:09:05 +0000

Any lower and we are sub-1. The water is touching the bottom of the bar, but steady. Currently 45.9F and sunny. We may dip into the lower 80’s and stay sunny all day.

Pine View 1.1 at 0700 on 8/17

Camp Falbo — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:53:15 +0000

Currently sunny and cold (44.5F) we can expect a high of 70 with afternoon showers likely.