Sarah Huntley, Communications and Engagement, 720-564-2111
Due to the recent high wind and fire danger events in the Boulder area, all Open Space and Mountain Parks properties and trail systems will remain closed overnight with a goal to open the system on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 9 a.m. Staff will begin inspecting trailheads and trails at daybreak to ensure areas are safe to open for visitor use after the unprecedented weather conditions.
We want to remind visitors that some areas might need to remain closed due to unsafe conditions from fallen trees and to be aware of dangers while visiting OSMP trails. Staff will be in the assessment phase of responding to the storm for a few weeks and will not be able to clear debris from the more than 150 miles of trails for many days.
Use extreme caution when visiting the trails. Visitors may encounter trees blocking trails, overhead dangers such as loose branches hanging above the trails and large trees blown over and leaning above trailheads and trails. In addition, some visitor amenities might be closed due to damaged doors on restrooms and broken fencing and gates. Please be sure to check the OSMP Closures webpage for the latest trail closures before visiting.
If visitors observe hazards on trails and want to report the location, please make a Request for Maintenance on Open Space and Mountain Parks and be sure to provide as much detail as possible about the location including images and GPS coordinates if available.
In addition, the areas around Boulder continue to be exceptionally dry and with no snow cover, wildfire continues to be a concern. Please exercise extreme caution while visiting OSMP to prevent any ignition of wildfire.
The city also hopes to re-open recreation centers and facilities tomorrow, assuming that power has been restored. Additional information will be shared about the status of each center in the morning. Please check the city’s website or text BPRnow to 888777 to receive text updates about facilities sent to your phone.
Xcel Energy crews will be working hard throughout our community tonight and tomorrow to restore power. Please give them space to do their work.
City and county staff will continue to staff the Emergency Operations Center throughout the day. Make sure you are signed up to receive urgent emergency alerts from police or fire officials at www.bocoalert.org. Additional helpful public safety information is available on the Office of Disaster Management’s website. You can also sign up to receive this information on your phone by texting BOCOinfo to 888777.
If you wish to receive alerts and safety information in a language other than English, please download the Reachwell app on your phone. You will have an option to select the language that works best for you. It is important that you select two separate categories – BOCOalert and BOCOinfo – to ensure you receive all messages during an emergency. The city also encourages you to turn on audible notifications within the app so you will be made aware when new messages are available.
