The dangers of these swift moving waters was highlighted this past weekend when three people lost their lives on the state's rivers.  A women from Santa Fe, New Mexico was killed on the Cache La Poudre River, an Aurora doctor died on the Gunnison River and a man died on the Little Delores River in Mesa County after he saved a woman from the same waters that claimed his life. 

Virtually every creek, stream and river across the state will be running deep and fast for the next several weeks as the snow melts.  This water also will be extremely cold adding hypothermia to the list of dangers for those that fall into it. 

It should also be noted that a severe storm in one of these areas could cause significant risk of pushing these rivers well over flood stage and cause flash flooding.  Those heading to the mountains to enjoy the rivers in any capacity should be aware of the conditions along their route and also have a plan should flash floods become a danger.  You may wish to review our Severe Weather 101 - Floods and Flash Floods article. 

• Warning / Advisory map courtesy of the Weather Underground.