UPDATE: Per an update from Colorado Parks and Wildlife on the afternoon of June 17, the hazard addressed in this article has been successfully removed. An image from that removal process can be found below, along with the original text of the piece which might still be worth reading as it touches on the risks of ‘strainers’ in the river.

–––– Original article below ––––

It’s no secret that whitewater rafting comes with plenty of risk – after all, participants are cruising down moving water and the thrill that comes with the risk is part of the sport’s appeal for many. That said, there’s a hazard on Colorado’s most-rafted river that travelers should know about, as it’s one that can kill.

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, a tree has fallen directly below Rapid #5 creating a hazard with deadly potential. This is located along one of the more technical stretches of whitewater in the state, commonly referred to as ‘The Numbers’ section of the Arkansas River, near Buena Vista.

According to officials, the tree is “narrowly passable on the far river right.” It can be seen from County Road 371 downstream of a house located on river left with scouting the river highly recommended prior to launching.

Described as a “strainer,” this type of obstacle allows water to flow under it but traps solid objects, including people and boats. Once stuck in a strainer, it can be difficult to escape due to the power of the water pushing through. This makes it one of the deadliest obstacles encountered during rafting and river kayaking.

The initial announcement of the hazard from Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area didn’t address whether or not there were plans to remove the tree.

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