This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Snow melt and expected storms have combined to prompt the Daggett County Sheriff's Office to issue a warning recreationists to keep a wary eye on the rising levels of the Green River.
Sheriff Jerry Jorgensen said Friday that the river's flow levels had topped 8600 cubic feet per second (cfs) following the Bureau of Reclamation's decision to open the Flaming Gorge Dam's bypass valves to shed excess water.
"The river is flowing fast and high making it complicated to canoes and kayaks, and challenging to rafters," Jorgensen stated. "Please use extreme caution, wear life jackets, and obey all warnings and restrictions. The increased flow is expected for the next several months."
The sheriff also suggested that those unfamiliar with the river consult local guides or the U.S. Forest Service about current river conditions and best navigation options before entering the water.
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