At 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, the Yampa River fell below 700 cubic feet per second, according to the United States Geological Survey, which commonly calls for the beginning of the tubing season for commercial and recreational users.

Despite it falling below the upper threshold, Peter Van De Carr, longtime owner of Backdoor Sports, said Wednesday that the river still presents some dangers. 

The Yampa remains cold, ranging between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit over the past week. Most importantly, the 700 cfs target is meant for grown, athletic adults, not children, according to Van De Carr.

“It is not an engineered river; it is a natural force which a lot of folks are not accustomed to dealing with,” Van De Carr said.

Safety is the primary concern, and Backdoor Sports is planning a gradual opening starting with tubers 18 years and older Friday and slowly incorporating younger ages as conditions improve. 

When tubing, people should be sure to wear appropriate gear such as life vests, river shoes, helmets and more. Tubers are also asked to share the Yampa River with others and exercise proper river etiquette.

Private tubers are recommended to float from Fetcher Park to the James Brown Bridge/Shield Drive in Steamboat Springs. Commercial tubing is allowed from Fifth Street to the James Brown Bridge/Shield Drive area.