Sandbags Available for Residents 

As noted yesterday, the St Vrain Creek has been rising with levels near 1,080 CFS (cubic feet per second), which is a strong guideline of how fast and how high the river is flowing through Lyons. The Town of Lyons is reminding the community of the importance of being prepared. 

The Public Works Department has sand and sandbags available in the triangle lot, across from the Post Office and the Fire Station, at 3rd and Railroad. Please bring your own shovel. This is primarily for those residents who feel additional sandbag reinforcement may be necessary this weekend. Properly filled and placed sandbags can act as a barrier to divert moving water around, instead of through, buildings.

Due to our ground being saturated, Button Rock Reservoir being full and the continued rain patterns, the rivers are running very high and very fast. Watch for flooding in low lying areas.  Localized flooding becomes more likely along the St Vrain Creek in Lyons when the water reaches 1,200 CFS. We advise residents to sign up for emergency alert notifications, especially the Boulder County Emergency Management Notification System, via bocoalert.org.

Lyons Fire Protection District, Town of Lyons staff and Boulder County's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) are notifying residents to be prepared for possible flooding in the next 72 hours. Flooding is possible and residents living in the floodway (pink area on the map) should be prepared to evacuate. These residents should also secure any temporary furniture and/or outside belongings so that they do not become debris in the water. 

Please note:
•The Boulder County Sheriff closes the river to tubing at 600 CFS.This announcement was made on Wednesday, June 7th, 2023.

•Water levels have increased significantly since that decision.

•Generally, the water levels peak in the overnight hours (8 pm - 3 am).   
•Residents should be prepared with essentials such as water, food, flashlights and charged cell phones.   
•Avoid standing water, as it may be contaminated.

•Avoid moving water, as little as 6 inches of water can knock you off your feet and 18 inches can float a car.
•Pay attention to flash flood warnings.
•Move to higher ground. This could be either a higher elevation location or a higher floor in your building.

Learn more.

If you would like to monitor the current flows, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources has a monitoring station and gauge in Lyons.