During the next several days, water levels in Boulder Creek will begin rising noticeably, which could potentially impact underpasses near the creek and the safety of creek activities. With higher temperatures and increased snowpack runoff anticipated, Barker Reservoir is expected to fill and spill as early as Wednesday, June 8.

The current flow in Boulder Creek, at Broadway, is about 200 cubic feet per second (cfs). Following CDOT work to remove debris from Boulder Creek in Boulder Canyon, the city will begin to release water from Barker Reservoir this afternoon in anticipation of the spill. This gradual increase of the creek flows will help to prevent a sudden increase when the reservoir fills. By the end of the day on Tuesday, the flow in Boulder Creek, at Broadway, could reach 500 cfs. Following the reservoir spill, Boulder Creek could reach 600 to 800 cfs, at Broadway. Additional precipitation may further increase the flows.

Anyone recreating in or near Boulder Creek should use caution. City of Boulder and Boulder County safety officials are evaluating the situation to determine when a tubing ban might be warranted.