Portions of Kaweah, Kern and Tule rivers closed to the public

Sheyanne N Romero, Visalia Times-Delta
·3 min read

After weeks of rain and snow melt, Sheriff Mike Boudreaux is temporarily closing parts of the Kaweah, Kern and Tule rivers ahead of even more water coming down.

The most recent closure orders were issued Thursday and will stay in place until further notice. Portions of the Kings and St. John’s rivers were closed to the public earlier this week from the foothills through Visalia.

This year’s record level snowpack and warming temperatures resulted in swift, cold water flowing in the Kaweah, Kern and Tule rivers, as well as the Kings and St. John’s rivers, making all the waterways in Tulare County "dangerous and the banks unstable for the public," sheriff's officials stated.

"As it gets hotter, it will be tempting to enter the rivers. But don’t be fooled," Boudreaux said. "The water is very cold and fast throughout the spring and early summer."

Public access is closed at the following location:

  • Kaweah River at Cobble Knoll and Slick Rock recreational areas.

  • Sections of the Kern River within Tulare County at all points along the Kern River beginning at Dry Meadow Creek, approximately two miles east of the Johnsondale Bridge, down to the Tulare/Kern County Line. The closure order includes all river access locations for recreational use.

  • Mountain Highway 99 is closed at Roads End near McNally’s to Johnsondale, due to construction.

  • Sections of the Tule River from the National Monument to Lower Coffee Camp. There will be no public access at all sites on the Middle Fork of the Tule River beginning at the entrance to the Giant Sequoia National Monument and extending to the Moorehouse Fish Hatchery just below Pier Point Springs. River access is restricted from the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Tule River to Wishon Campground.

  • Highway 190 is closed at Balch Park Road due to construction.

Officials will monitor water levels and river conditions throughout the summer. When authorities deem waterways safe, access to the Tulare County rivers will be reopened to the public, sheriff's officials stated.

Deputies have posted signage at most of the water recreation areas in Tulare County to alert the public of water dangers and closures. The department's Swift Water Team, along with the Tulare County Fire Department’s Swift Water Team, will train throughout the spring and summer months.

Red Cross recommend taking these precautions when you’re around water (even if you’re not planning to swim):

  • Know your limitations, including physical fitness, medical conditions.

  • Never swim alone; swim with lifeguards and/or water watchers present.

  • Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket appropriate for your weight and size and the water activity. Always wear a life jacket while boating, regardless of swimming skill.

  • Swim sober.

  • Understand the dangers of hyperventilation and hypoxic blackout.

  • Know how to call for help.

  • Understand and adjust for the unique risks of the water environment you are in, such as:

    • River currents.

    • Ocean rip currents.

    • Water temperature.

    • Shallow or unclear water.

    • Underwater hazards, such as vegetation and animals.

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Portions of Kaweah, Kern and Tule rivers closed to the public