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Hazards of geocaching: flooding

High water is a very real danger. Balance your love of geocaching with your love of life.
High water is a very real danger. Balance your love of geocaching with your love of life.
Credits: 
AP Photo/Glenwood Herald, Michael G. Fox

Several weather events this week in Denver have created hazardous conditions along the Front Range and eastern facing mountains.  A combination of hotter then normal weather, followed by two days of heavy rain, have made for flooding conditions in the Mile High City.

Quick meltdown of winter snows in the mountains have Boulder and Clear Creeks running higher then normal. The fast moving waters have pushed banks to their limit, and in some cases have threatened infrastructures that cross these creeks.

As I write this article, the rain gauge has show almost four inches has fallen in less then 24 hours at my house. More heave rain is expected later today.  This event has compounded problems not only in the creeks, but has left fast moving or standing water on many of the rural roads on the plains.

We need to remember the geocaching is an 'at-risk' sport. when you agreed to the terms of service for your geocaching.com account,  these include 'Always exercise common sense and caution. You assume all risks arising in connection with seeking a cache or any other related activity.'

The key is common sense/ Sometimes, in our zeal to find a cache, we ignore what appear to be very obvious dangers.  Water events can be easily ignored, and may cost you your life.

If you are near any of the creeks that surround Denver, pay attention to any sign marking problem areas and STAY AWAY.  You avoid the risk of falling into the fast moving creeks. You also avoid the expense of having to pay for your own rescue.

For situations where water is covering the road, the National Weather Service has these suggestions:

* Monitor the NOAA Weather Radio, or your favorite news source for vital weather related information.
* If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes etc.
* Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Turn Around Don't Drown
* Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Turn Around Don't Drown If your vehicle is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
* Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
* Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

Remember, the life you save may be your own.

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More information on geocaching is found on the Centennial State Geocaching Podcast

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By

Denver Geocaching Examiner

Art is an avid geocacher since he first tried the sport in August, 2006. His only regret is that there are not enough hours in the day to cache. ...

Comments

  • Geocaching.com: SeeAndAvoid 1 year ago
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    While human life is most important, there is also the concern about how flooding presenting a problem for the geocaches themselves as I've seen my share of those noted as being washed away due to flooding or the geocache log is ruined because water got into the cache. So I'd advise putting your cache, if you have started one, into a locale that is water tight and away from risk of flooding. We've also had heartbreak when stashing travel bugs only to have them disappear due to the caches disappearing due to weather :(

  • Tina Ranieri 1 year ago
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    bummer

  • Art Pennington 1 year ago
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    SeeAndAvoid - great idea for the next article.

  • natalie DiTullio 1 year ago
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    common sense sounds like the key thing here!

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