Local boaters report the level at 150 cfs, which is low.
Lakewood man rescued from Clear Creek
Idaho Springs Police said the creek is running high due to rain and spring runoff.
Credit: Idaho Springs Police Department
Author: Nate Lynn
NBC Channel 9
May 12, 2023
IDAHO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Idaho Springs Police Department (ISPD) urged recreators to be careful when enjoying Clear Creek after a kayaker was rescued Friday.
ISPD said officers responded just after noon to a report of an unconscious kayaker in the water next to U.S. 6, about 2 1/2 miles east of Idaho Springs. Rafters pulled the 34-year-old Lakewood man from the water and began performing CPR until officers arrived moments later and helped provide emergency medical care, police said.
An ISPD patrol truck was used to move the unconscious man and EMS/Fire personnel from the water's edge to an ambulance. The man was then taken to a hospital, where his condition is unknown.
Police said Clear Creek County has had a lot of rain along with spring runoff lately, causing Clear Creek to rise considerably over the past week. They reminded visitors to always use caution when rafting, kayaking, fishing or enjoying other activities on or near the creek.
The man's was taken by ambulance to a local hospital. His condition at the time of the press release was not known, ISPD stated. On Saturday, Police Chief Nathan Buseck told CBS News Colorado that the man was released from the hospital and is recovering at home.
"He either came down from the "gold tour" section (II/III) and ended up part way into Kermit's (IV) or started at Kermit's and got Into trouble somewhere in the canyon. Either way, water is pretty low right now, they cite spring run off as the cause but that's just not true. It's definitely doable in a kayak/duck and just now approaching reasonable levels to start running rafts but things are very manky all round and there isn't much water to cushion all that blast rock. It really sounds like a case of an inexperienced boater lacking good information, which clear creek sees quite often."
Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office
On May 12th, 2023, at approximately 1210 hours, emergency services responded to a report of an unconscious kayaker in the water near mile marker 258, Highway 6, Clear Creek Canyon. Other rafters in the vicinity pulled the unconscious, 34-year-old man, from Lakewood, Colorado, out of Clear Creek and began performing CPR. A Colorado Parks & Wildlife Officer and Idaho Springs Police Department officers arrived minutes later and assisted in providing emergency medical care to the man. The Colorado Parks & Wildlife Officer applied an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) as CPR continued the lifesaving measures. Additional Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office Deputies, Fire Authority, EMS, Empire Police, and ISPD patrol officers arrived to assist. An ISPD patrol truck was used to transport the unconscious man and EMS/Fire personnel from the water’s edge to an awaiting ambulance. This incident resulted in the temporary closure of Highway 6 near mile marker 258. The unidentified man was transported emergent to a local hospital by Clear Creek County EMS and is recovering well.
Clear Creek County has experienced high amounts of moisture along with spring run-off. Clear Creek has risen considerably over the last week creating an understandable draw and excitement for water sports and recreation. Always use caution when rafting, kayaking, fishing, or enjoying other outdoor activities on or near Clear Creek. Be prepared, always wear a personal floatation device (PFD) or approved lifejacket, learn swiftwater swimming techniques, and enjoy the outdoors safely.
