[OSMB-News] News Release -Lane County Boaters -Be Aware of River Obstructions

Fri May 31 14:05:37 PDT 2013

For Immediate Release                                       Date: Friday, May 31, 2013

Lane County Boaters -Be Aware of River Obstructions

              With the heavy rains and wind over the last week, several trees lost their footing and fell into the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers. The Lane County Sheriff's Office marine patrol and Oregon State Marine Board want to alert boaters to three navigation obstructions that may pose a risk to boaters and were recently reported by waterway managers [cid:image002.jpg at 01CE5E07.DA1C68C0] and paddlers.
McKenzie River:

*       Near Eagle Rock, adjacent to 49348 McKenzie Hwy, a tree has fallen from the hillside and is protruding into the river from river-left, partially obstructing the main channel.  At this stage, there is sufficient room to maneuver around the tree safely.  The Lane County Marine Patrol has placed warning signs upriver at the Forest Glen and Finn Rock boat ramps.

*       [cid:image004.jpg at 01CE5E07.DA1C68C0] Fish Ladder Rapid -a log is positioned between two rocks obstructing the center and right channels.  The water level and flow are considered dangerous and it's difficult to see the log.  The US Forest Service McKenzie Ranger Station is monitoring the obstruction.  Boaters in rafts and/or kayaks are urged to stay river-left.  Signs have been posted at the Olallie and Paradise boat ramps.  The Lane County Marine Patrol will continue to monitor the obstruction and will attempt to mitigate when it is safe to do so.

[cid:image006.jpg at 01CE5E07.DA1C68C0]Willamette River:

*       Approximately a half-mile upstream of the Clearwater Boat Launch -a large tree with root wad (strainer) lies just below the surface in the main channel.  Boaters can portage around the obstruction.  Inflatable boats, such as rafts and inner tubes can easily snag and puncture, so people are urged to avoid this area (an inflatable raft has already succumbed to the tree -pictured).  The Lane County Marine Patrol is monitoring this obstruction and will attempt to mitigate when conditions are safer and the water levels drop.
Rivers are dynamic, which means the flow and volume of water change due to snow melt, rain and discharge from dams that impact the amount of erosion and sedimentation moving downstream.  Trees often fall into the river from an eroding bank.  Obstructions are difficult to see, especially when they are just below the surface of the water.  Boaters must keep a sharp lookout, learn how to read the river, and scout the route ahead.   On whitewater stretches with class III rapids, boaters are also required to wear a properly fitting, US Coast Guard -approved life jacket.
The Lane County Marine Patrol regularly reports waterway obstructions to the Marine Board.  Be sure to check the Marine Board's website when planning your river trip at www.boatoregon.com<http://www.boatoregon.com>.
###

Ashley A. Massey
Public Information Officer
Oregon State Marine Board
503-378-2623
Ashley.massey at state.or.us<mailto:Ashley.massey at state.or.us>

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