Yampa River water temperatures have moved above the allowed threshold triggering the City of Steamboat Springs to enact commercial and voluntary recreational closures for the Yampa River. The closure will remain in effect until rescinded. 

“A mandatory closure of the Yampa River isn’t something the city takes lightly,” said Stephanie Munro, Deputy Director of Land Management. “We would like to thank the community, especially our commercial operators, for their cooperation and support during this critical time. Our efforts go directly to the long-term health of our number one natural resource.” 

All commercial outfitting operations are suspended under the closure. River users, tubers, SUPers, swimmers and anglers are requested to adhere to the voluntary closure and avoid river recreation. 

Due to high water temperatures of 75 degrees Fahrenheit over the past two consecutive days on the Yampa River, the city is implementing closures for all commercial activities on the Yampa River and asking the public to abide by a voluntary closure for all recreational river use starting today.

Notices are posted at popular river access points and request the public’s cooperation in protecting the Yampa River by staying out of the river until conditions improve.

City staff will continue to monitor flows and river temperatures at the 5th Street Bridge.