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Waterton Canyon reopens 7 days a week

Posted at 6:42 AM, May 16, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-16 08:42:43-04

After a three month partial closure, Waterton Canyon is back open full-time for most recreation.

The canyon has been closed six days a week since February as Denver Water crews work to repair a diversion dam.

“When we work to divert water into the Highline Canal, what this structure does is, it allows us to build up enough pressure that that water can actually flow into the gate that we have opened up for the canal," said Travis Thompson, spokesperson with Denver Water.

Denver Water was hoping to have the canyon fully open for everyone for the foreseeable future, but Thompson said the late spring storms and high water levels are preventing the work from being completed.

An additional closure is needed in the fall Thompson said.

For now, the canyon is open to all recreationalists, except for anglers in some parts. 

Those closures are due to the water levels, which are running at about 700 cfs, Thompson said.

"We wanted to make sure and keep everyone safe and keep people out of the water and away from that area, so the first 3.2 miles of the canyon we're not allowing any river access," said Thompson.