County warns of surging river levels

By Dennis Webb
Friday, June 4, 2010

Mesa County officials are warning the public to expect a major surge in water levels on the Colorado River this weekend as spring runoff nears its anticipated peak.

Warm temperatures will contribute to an expected two-foot rise in water levels, as will a coordinated release of water from reservoirs in the Upper Colorado River Basin to benefit endangered fish.

Cold water and debris dislodged by heavy flows could make river travel dangerous, and the county is urging people to use caution on or near the river.

The river is expected to peak Tuesday morning at about 10.5 feet in depth near Cameo, 9.2 feet near Palisade and 9.9 feet near the Colorado/Utah state line. Peak flows should be similar to last spring, the county said.