A rafter died after falling from his watercraft into the Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon on Sunday.

Garfield County Coroner Robert Glassmire confirmed Tuesday morning that Nicholas Courtens, 34, of Vail, was pronounced dead at the scene between Shoshone and Grizzly Creek in Glenwood Canyon after he fell from a raft and drowned.

The White River National Forest and other river recreation officials are urging caution when recreating on the currently runoff-swollen area rivers.

Glassmire said the Glenwood Springs Fire Department and Garfield County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene at 12:29 p.m. Sunday.

"Investigators learned the rafter was part of a private group of five people using two rafts," Glassmire said in a news release. "The decedent went into the water while the group was navigating a rapid and eddy.  Upon exiting the rapid and eddy, the decedent was unable to be initially rescued."

moar

Drove past there on Wednesday.  Not sure that I've ever seen that high of flow in the Colorado River.  It's raging.

Every river in our area is flat moving. We just had a rafter die in the Dolores

That stretch of river is ripping right now. I’m a fairly experienced white water guy and I’m not sure I’d do that right now.

Wow, 900% normal flow:

https://www.the-journal.com/articles/rafter-dies-in-dolores-river-near-bedrock/



That's over by the Paradox valley.

Yep. Gorgeous but very remote area with not much for medical services. Anyone getting in the rivers right now better have a will lined up

Ever see the "grand canyon" of the Dolores, just northeast of Dove Creek?  Great view from the overlook, yet quite mellow (canyon walls are rounded instead of jagged, but still a great view).  Canyons downstream, such as south and north of Bedrock, are spectacular.  The one to the north snakes its way to meet up with the San Miguel River near Uravan.  It runs along the Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic Byway on Hwy 141; the Dolores hangs a left at Gateway before it enters Utah.  Beautiful drive.

Been all through there! Hanging Flume is always worth a visit. Next time you’re in the area, take Y11 road. Runs along river under the flume, absolutely awesome drive. You can jump on it off of 90 just outside of Paradox and it’ll link up to 141 after about a half hour drive. Then 141 up to 50 is always worth checking out (through Gateway)

I'm done that way often and will have to check out that area.  Is the fly fishing good on the Dolores?  Gotta pick up some more pinto beans in Dove Creek!

Try the Anasazi beans.  Taste better, cook faster and produce much less gas than the pintos.  I keep both in my pantry, as well as a couple of their bean soup mixes.  

I still have some of the Anasazi beans at home.  1st batch... not awesome.  2nd batch.... added lard.  Much better.

Try adding Adobe Mill's bacon bean spice while cooking them.  3 tablespoons, I also add a chopped onion, some chile pequin and a ham bone, ham hocks or bacon.

When it’s not a murder river I’ve heard it great