Arkansas River debris flow blocks popular Colorado rafting area

A massive debris flow caused by recent flash flooding has created a 100-yard logjam on the Arkansas River in Colorado, specifically blocking the Seidel’s Suckhole rapid in Brown’s Canyon. The blockage, consisting of wood and other debris, has forced rafting companies to implement approximately 20-minute portages to navigate around the unstable mass.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has advised recreationists to give the area a wide berth and not attempt to cross or remove any part of the debris, as the floating wood is unstable. Due to the remote location and lack of nearby roads, state officials stated there is no immediate way to clear the jam by human means. The current plan is to leave the blockage alone and allow the river to eventually clear it through natural processes, likely during the next spring runoff.