Initiative launched to address drowning deaths in Colorado dams
A new initiative was announced Wednesday to increase public safety around low head dams after an increase in dam-related deaths in recent years, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources said.
In Colorado, 13 people have drowned in low head dams since 1986, including two since 2016 at the South Platte River dam.
“These fatal accidents are avoidable and are a strong motivation for our department to increase our public outreach and education initiatives,” said Dan Gibbs, DNR executive director.
Low head dams are built into streams and rivers, producing recirculating currents.
DNR said these dams are dangerous because they’re difficult to detect and create a relatively tranquil pool, causing unsuspecting river users to get trapped underwater in the current.
The new initiative will provide increased signage, emergency responder education, public outreach and an interactive DNR webpage showing the dam locations.
“Safe enjoyment of our nation’s rivers is central to our mission,” said Hattie Johnson with American Whitewater. “We hope to integrate the data into our web based national whitewater inventory to help river users plan for and avoid these hazards.”
DNR formed the Colorado Low Head Dam Safety Steering Committee to address safety issues around low head dams after a drowning death in 2019.
The low head dam outreach initiative is funded in part by a $31,250 Colorado Water Plan grant, $20,000 from FEMA’s National Dam Safety Program, $15,000 of services from Wright Water Engineers and $20,000 from the Wright Family Foundation.
“Colorado rivers and streams are an enormous amenity for both water enthusiasts and fishermen,” said Ruth Wright, founder of Wright Family Foundation. “The low head dam initiative will provide valuable information to the public to help to prevent tragic and needless harm.”
These donations will help fund future efforts including ongoing public education, increased outreach during spring months, installation of warning signage and additional outreach and education for emergency responders.