Safety

 

Water Safety

Before enjoying recreation opportunities at Curecanti, know how to be safe and responsible in the water, on a boat, and on land.

Water Levels

Water levels can change drastically due to scheduled dam releases and seasons. Be mindful of rocks and other hidden obstacles that may be just below the surface.

Life Jackets

Personal floatation devices (PFDs) save lives and are required for children under the age of 13. They are also recommended for children walking on the docks at the marinas. Please consult the Colorado Boating Regulations for required safety equipment.

No Jumping

Jumping from cliffs, ledges, and bridges 15 feet or more from the water surface is prohibited. Numerous people have been permanently disabled or killed from hitting rocks under the water surface.

Overlook Etiquette

No throwing rocks, stones, or objects from overlooks. Hikers are underneath Pioneer Point, Hermits Rest, and other areas below CO Highway 92. Even a small stone can be fatal. Children should be closely supervised as weathered and loose rock makes rim edges hazardous. Many places have no guardrails.

 

Winter at Curecanti demands proper clothing and safety preparations.

NPS photo

Winter Safety

Many outdoor activities are available during winter at Curecanti. It is also a period of unpredictable weather and circumstances. Knowing and practicing winter safety can mean the difference between a pleasurable outing and one that tests your ability to survive. To make your winter outings fun and safe, follow some basic winter guidelines.

Note: The National Park Service does not monitor ice conditions. Visitors are responsible for their own safety and decision making.

Always check Curecanti's forecast from the National Weather Service before departing on any winter outing.

Wear Proper Clothing

• Several layers are most effective. Wool and synthetics are better for keeping warm and dry.
• Conserve heat by wearing a hat and mittens or gloves.
• Footwear should be appropriate for the activity. Traction devices on footwear are strongly recommended for snow- or ice-covered surfaces.
• Carry windproof and waterproof gear.

Survival Kit

Even the shortest winter outings require survival gear in the Colorado Rockies. Besides water and food, bring items to help you build a fire, a shelter, and signal for help. Other items to include are sunglass, sunscreen, extra clothing, high-energy foods, pocketknife, first aid kit, mirror, map, and a navigational device.

Survival Tips

• Travel with a companion. Avoid going alone.
• Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
• Know the weather forecast and condition of ice and snow in the area you plan to visit.
• Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) if you’re going onto the frozen surface of Blue Mesa Reservoir.
• Know how to get out from under the ice if you were to fall through.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia, the lowering of the body’s temperature well below normal, most often occurs when air temperatures are between 30°F and 50°F (-1°C to 10°C). However, it can occur when temperatures are warmer or colder. Be aware of the symptoms of hypothermia to begin treatment right away. Symptoms include uncontrolled shivering, extreme exhaustion, coordination difficulties, numbness, memory lapse, unusual behavior, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.

Treatment:

• Get victim to a dry, sheltered place.
• Keep victim still. Do not allow any exertion.
• Remove wet clothing and replace with dry, warm clothing.
• Wrap in blankets, with another person if possible.
• If victim is alert, slowly give warm drinks.
• Avoid giving them alcohol.
• Keep victim awake.
• Transport to medical facility as soon as possible.

 

Check ice conditions before venturing out onto frozen reservoirs. Do not rely on reports from others.

NPS Photo

Ice Conditions

Blue Mesa Reservoir

The reservoir starts to freeze at the east end. By the end of December, the ice thickness typically ranges from 4-12 inches (10-30 cm). Blue Mesa is usually covered with ice by mid-January. Ice thickness averages between 4-24 inches (10-61 cm). By May, the reservoir is free of ice.

Morrow Point and Crystal Reservoirs

Ice conditions on these reservoirs are highly variable and difficult to predict. Ice thickness is not monitored regularly in these areas.

Safety Tips

• Ice clouded with air bubbles could mean weaker ice.
• Avoid areas with partially-submerged obstacles and artificial structures that cause weak ice.
• Ice over running water is weaker than ice over still water.
• Ice is never 100 percent safe, even under perfect conditions.
• Beware of pressure ridges that cross the frozen surface of the reservoir. A pressure ridge is a line or wall of broken ice caused by forces pushing the ice. Load bearing capacity can be reduced in these areas or even have open water under them.
• Bring a PFD (personal flotation device) when going onto any frozen body of water.

Use Caution

Thicker ice can support more weight. The National Park Service uses the equation P = 50 x T², where P is the maximum weight in pounds that clear, solid lake ice should be able to support, and T is the ice thickness in inches.

This table gives estimates for the weight capacity of different ice thicknesses. Note: These guidelines are determined using clear, solid lake ice (i.e., no air bubbles, no structural weaknesses, etc.).

Ice Thickness	Weight Capacity
2 inches (5 cm)	200 lbs (91 kg)
4 inches (10 cm)	800 lbs (363 kg)
6 inches (15 cm)	1,800 lbs (816 kg)