Search for 74-y.o. woman in RMNP has been suspended
Jul 16th
Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle has announced that the search for Patricia Wallace will be suspended. After consulting with the Grand County Sheriff’s Office and Wallace’s family a decision has been made to suspend the search.
On July 3, 2012, at approximately 4:00 p.m., members of the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, Front Range Rescue Dogs, and the Allenspark Fire Protection District responded to the area of Camp Dick, located near the 50 mile marker of the Peak to Peak Highway, west of Lyons, on the report of a lost hiker, Patricia Wallace, 74 years old, from Lafayette, Colorado. Wallace was hiking in the area of Buchanan Pass Trail with a group of acquaintances, when she decided to take an alternate route which she believed to be less difficult. She was not seen again.
Buchanan Pass
An extensive search of the area, both in Boulder and Grand counties, was conducted by the Boulder County and Grand County Sheriff’s Offices. Also, assisting in the search were members of Rocky Mountain Rescue, Allenspark Fire Protection District, Larimer County Search and Rescue, Alpine Search and Rescue, Grand County Search and Rescue, Front Range Rescue Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs of Colorado, Boulder County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Search and Rescue, and air resources from Flight For Life and Buckley Air Force Base.
During the 13 day search effort nothing was ever found that belonged to Ms. Wallace or that would aid in establishing a track. A group of hikers contacted in the area on July 3rd indicated they had seen someone they believe to be Ms. Wallace approximately 200 feet from the summit of Buchanan Pass on the Continental Divide earlier that day. At that time, she was hiking in a westerly direction toward Grand County; that individual was never located.
At this time it is presumed that Ms. Wallace has likely perished from exposure or the lack of food and water. The search will be resumed if evidence is located that might indicate where she could be found.
Boulder Reservoir swim beach closed temporarily
Jul 12th
The Boulder Reservoir swim beach, 5565 N. 51st St., will be closed at least through 4 p.m. Friday, July 13, due to elevated levels of bacteria. The increased levels are believed to be the result of the significant rain runoff from rain earlier this week. Swimming was temporarily suspended at 4 p.m. today as a precaution after a routine water sampling test determined bacteria levels were elevated.
Water at the swim area was then re-sampled and test results are expected by Friday afternoon. The reservoir swim beach will re-open once bacteria levels are reduced.
A spike in bacterial levels is not uncommon in natural bodies of water after significant rain runoff.
Transportation Department hosting Fourmile Link welcoming event on Sunday
Jul 12th
Boulder County, Colo. – Following today’s grand opening of the Fourmile Link Trail at Betasso Preserve, the Boulder County Transportation Department is preparing for increased bicycle traffic on Fourmile Canyon Drive and will be hosting a welcoming event this Sunday.
What: The Boulder County Transportation Department will provide fruit, snacks, cool water and share-the-road materials for cyclists
When: Sunday, July 15 starting at 7:30 a.m.
Where: Near the end of the Boulder Creek Path close to the intersection of Boulder Canyon and Fourmile Canyon drives
Why:
- Additional bicycle traffic is expected on Fourmile Canyon Drive between the end of the Boulder Creek Path and the newly opened Fourmile Link Trail at Betasso preserve, especially on Sundays
- Fourmile Canyon Drive does not have bikeable shoulders and both automobiles and bicyclists are expected to share the road
- Bicyclists are encouraged to transition to single-file riding when cars are present and/or when riding around curves
- Motorists are encouraged to pass bicyclists with care, providing three feet of separation
- Motorists are encouraged slow down and wait for the next safe passing opportunity if there is oncoming traffic or a curve approaching
- Courtesy is contagious! Being patient and respectful ensures that both motorists and cyclists reach their destinations safely
Additional info:
- It is approximately 1.25 miles up Fourmile Canyon Drive from the end of the Boulder Creek Path to the start of the Fourmile Link Trail
- Betasso Preserve trails prohibit bicycles on Wednesdays and Saturdays
- The Fourmile Link Trail is 0.8 miles long and connects the Benjamin Loop with Fourmile Canyon Drive
For more information please contact Bicycle Planner Brian Graham at 720-564-2667 or bgraham@bouldercounty.org.
