News Release

Swift Water Incident In St. Vrain River

Date: June 29, 2021
Contact: Kyle Patterson, Public Affairs Officer
Contact: Park Information, [phone]

Yesterday, a 45-year-old woman from Oklahoma fell into the St. Vrain River approximately one mile from the Wild Basin Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park.  She slipped on wet rocks and was swept about 100 feet downstream under some large logs before she was able to pull herself up on a variety of log debris. Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue members arrived on scene and assisted her from the log. She was on the south side of the river, so no rescuers or swift water teams had to deploy in the water.      

Members of Estes Valley Fire Protection District – Dive and Swiftwater Rescue Team, Boulder Emergency Squad and Allenspark Fire Protection arrived on scene to assist RMNP Search and Rescue Team members, if needed.      

The woman’s condition was assessed by park rangers and she walked out with team members. She was further evaluated by Estes Park Health at the trailhead and declined transport by ambulance.     

Mountain streams can be dangerous. Visitors are reminded to remain back from the banks of streams and rivers. Rocks at streamside and in the stream are often slippery and water beneath them may be deep and will be extremely cold. Provide proper supervision for children at all times, who by nature, tend to be attracted to water. Powerful currents can quickly pull a person underwater.