Cherry Creek is getting a big jolt tomorrow. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans its annual sediment-flush operation at Cherry Creek Dam on Wednesday, May 20, starting around 9 a.m. and running into the early afternoon. That controlled release will send higher-than-normal flows surging down Cherry Creek and could temporarily flood low-lying stretches of the Cherry Creek Regional Trail between the reservoir and downtown Denver.
Why The Dam Is Getting Flushed
The Omaha District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the pressure flush scours out sediment that has piled up around the outlet gates so they can function properly and help lower long-term flood risk downstream. As part of its routine spring maintenance, the Corps stages releases from the gates to mobilize and move silt away from the intake area, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District.
When The Water Will Run High
Arapahoe County flagged the operation in a Facebook post, noting that the flush is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, from about 9 a.m. until roughly 2 p.m. and warning people to stay out of any closed areas because of high water. The county also cautioned that trail users should not try to cross the creek during the increased flows, as an advisory posted on Arapahoe County Government Facebook.
How Far The Surge Reaches Into Downtown
Local coverage says the boosted releases will move downstream over several hours and could raise water levels in the downtown channel, especially near low crossings such as the Champa Street area. Denver7 reported that expected release rates can jump well above typical flows, and that in past public notices the Corps has listed numbers in the hundreds of cubic feet per second. Denver Parks and Recreation plans to watch water levels and clear out debris as needed once the surge rolls through.
Trail Safety And Alternate Routes
Officials are urging people to steer clear of closed stretches of the Cherry Creek Regional Trail and to "do not attempt to cross the stream" during the flush, language straight from the county advisory. Anyone planning to commute, run, or ride along the creek is being nudged toward street-level sidewalks or other routes and encouraged to keep an eye on agency alerts or the USGS Cherry Creek streamgage for real-time conditions.
