Water releases from Ruedi Reservoir are increasing flood danger along the Frying Pan River into Basalt. Law enforcement is warning homeowners and anglers who fish the popular river.
Areas of greatest concern in Basalt include homes along River Cove, Swinging Bridge Lane, River Oaks Lane, and in the Roaring Fork Mobile Home Park. Police are also concerned about the area near 7-Eleven and the Basalt Avenue pedestrian bridge that’s a popular play spot for kids.
The Bureau of Reclamation is releasing water into the Frying Pan because Ruedi Reservoir is close to full. It could reach capacity by Monday. Normally, water above the reservoir is sent to the Front Range but waterbodies there are full, due to plentiful rain and snowmelt.
Basalt Police Chief Greg Knott says his number one priority is getting the word out. Officials alerted fly fishing and rafting companies and have visited with anglers fishing the Frying Pan. They will also begin door-to-door outreach in high-risk areas in and around Basalt.