Here are 9 tips for staying safe as the huge snowmelt feeds Modesto-area rivers

John Holland
·2 min read

Thinking of wading into the Tuolumne River amid the 90 degree-plus temperatures forecast for Modesto this week? Think again.

The waterway continues to run dangerously high as the massive snowmelt accelerates in its Sierra Nevada watershed. And the river is cold — 52 degrees as measured Tuesday morning at the Ninth Street Bridge by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Mid-spring always brings warnings from emergency officials about staying safe as the weather warms. This has been an especially wet year, with most rivers expected to be hazardous well into summer.

The Tuolumne was just 0.4 feet from flood stage Tuesday, the USGS said. It is not expected to top its banks, but it’s still dangerous for swimming and boating.

The San Joaquin River was 1.9 feet below flood stage. The Stanislaus River is not close to overflowing but will still pose dangers.

These safety tips are from the National Weather Service, the California Office of Emergency Services and other sources:

  1. Never swim alone. Even an experienced person can lose muscle control quickly.

  2. Never enter cold, running water to rescue someone who is stuck. Toss in a life preserver and call 911.

  3. Keep a close eye on children around water, including rivers, reservoirs and swimming pools.

  4. Fast water is dangerous even with a life jacket. Stick to reservoirs and be sure to have a well-fitting jacket for everyone. Several fire stations around Stanislaus County lend out them for free.

  5. Don’t try to walk across low parts of streams. You can lose your footing easily on rocks and other objects.

  6. Remember that snowmelt is cold even on warm spring days and that the 2023 version will go well into the hot summer.

  7. Don’t enter any type of water after drinking alcohol.

  8. Don’t try to float a raft if you are not experienced. Experts will guide you safely on the Stanislaus River below Knights Ferry starting in late May. Two companies operate there: River Journey Adventures and Sunshine Rafting Adventures.

  9. The lower Tuolumne doesn’t have commercial rafting. Several outfitters offer trips in the challenging stretch from just west of Yosemite National Park to Don Pedro Reservoir.

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