All outdoor recreational activities include risk, and boating is no different. Every time you step into a boat you accept this.  You reduce this risk by wearing a life jacket and other appropriate safety gear, and learning the basic skill and knowledge to navigate the risks. 

Also...float toys, air mattresses, inner tubes and many rafts are not designed for use in rivers.  They do not provide adequate flotation and puncture resistance.  Using the right equipment, carrying the right gear, and gaining the necessary knowledge will help ensure your safety on the water.

   

Contact your local Marine Patrol Office to report an obstruction. 

 

Weekly Notice To Mariners -U.S. Coast Guard District 13

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Notice -Issued March 2, 2011
WARNING TO: U.S. Registered Yachts and Sailing Vessels
 
PIRACY OFF THE COAST OF SOMALIA AND EASTERN AFRICA
 
Marad Advisory (2011-05) to Mariners: Risk to Vessels Transiting High Risk Waters

NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard now have coastal bar web cams and bar conditions/restrictions for the following locations:

• Columbia River -Cape Disappointment, WA
• Tillamook Bar
• Depoe Bay Bar
• Yaquina Bay Bar
• Siuslaw Bar
• Umpqua Bar
• Coos Bay Bar
• Chetco Bar

Bar Camera Images and Latest Observations

Some of Oregon's rivers are prone to natural navigation obstructions based on the topography and geology of the water basin.  
 
The hazards listed on this page will list rivers that have consistent log jams, strainers, or debris. 
 
The Marine Board works with local law enforcement marine deputies to identify obstructions and who will then name the obstruction based on:

1. Waterbody
2. Proximity to known landmarks vs. river miles

 
The Marine Board will then use these names to correlate onto maps for perspective.

Middle Fork of the Willamette below Dexter Dam - Reported 5/6/13

A large tree has fallen at the Pengra Boat Ramp partially blocking the ramp.  OSP Troopers are assessing the situation and will keep us notified on the obstruction.  Please use caution in this area until the obstruction can be mitigated. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Willamette River Above Ferrin Campground - Reported 3/18/13

A large cottonwood tree has fallen across the across the channel to boater's right above the Ferrin Campground.  Please avoid using the right channel until the obstruction can be mitigated.  Oregon State Police troopers have posted the launches above the site and will work with US Forest Service personnel on removal efforts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I-5 Construction near Springfield

Construction and submerged object have made this stretch of river dangerous to boaters.  Take extreme caution and keep a sharp lookout when traveling through the construction zone and stay river right.  
 
Follow ODOT's Blog for the latest updates on the Bridge construction. 
  
  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

Norwood Island on the Willamette River, Benton County

 

Reported 4/22/12 by Benton County Marine Patrol and again on 6/19.  Debris is accumulating on an old, derelict bridge at RM 149 near Norwood Island in the west channel, south of the confluence of the Long Tom River.  The blockage is around a river bend and isn't easy to see until the boater is too far into the channel. The water is swift and no safe portage or bank to exit onto.

Benton County Deputies placed a warning sign at the entrance to the west channel of this blockage.

REPORTED 12/26/12 -By Curry County Marine Patrol

The Curry County Marine Patrol warns boaters to a waterway obstruction the Chetco River, approximately six miles upriver from the ocean in an area known as the “Upper Tamba” and one mile below Alfred A, Loeb State Park.  The obstruction is located river right heading downstream.  A gravel bar enters into where a large tree with root wad have fallen, making it a dangerous, hard-to-avoid strainer, capable of trapping boats with the swift current and shallow corner. 

The next accessible boat ramp to access theChetco River is Social Security Bar, located several miles downstream.

 

 

 

The Coast Guard is responding to a derelict barge on the Columbia River. 
 
Barge 202, a 90-foot derelict vessel sank at river mile 176.  Mariners are advised to keep a sharp lookout for the vessel.  It has been marked with buoys.  The Coast Guard determined the vessel does not pose a pollution threat. 
 
For more information, contact Petty Officer Nate Littlejohn at (816) 582-1725.

Above Rock Point Bridge - Reported 5/13/13 
Location: 42.4355'N, 123.076'W

A large cottonwood tree has fallen across the Rogue River, approx. 1/4 mile upstream from Rock Point Bridge.  It is blocking approx 75% of the river and poses an extreme boating hazard.  Jackson County Marine Patrol officers are assessing the situation and working with contractors to mitigate the obstruction.  Please use extreme caution in this area.

 

 

 

 

 

Above Shady Cove -reported 6/15/12

UPDATE - A private contractor removed what they could and removed approximately 85% of the obstructions just above Shady Cove.  Kayaks, rafts, and inflatable craft can easily become entrapped and several have already been witnessed by a local homeowner.   

"Strainer Alert -Marine Officers say an unusual number of boating obstructions have appeared on the upper Rogue River," by Mark Freeman, Medford Mail Tribune, Friday, August 3, 2012  

 

 

Downstream of the old "Gold Ray Dam" Site 
 
From the Medford Mail Tribune:  
While the removal of Gold Ray Dam has eliminated a major navigational barrier from the Rogue River, the general public might want to avoid floating that stretch right now.
The dam's demolition has created a nasty little rapid on the river's north side just downstream of the old dam. With rocks and logs in precarious places and little room for maneuvering, it is not recommended for casual or lightly experienced boaters, especially those in drift boats. 
 
Since a boating ban was lifted on this stretch Oct. 15, most drift boaters have chosen to walk or line their boats through the shallow and rocky south side and away from the main rapid. The current low releases from Lost Creek Lake make the rapid even tougher. Upcoming high-water events will give the entire reach a new identity.
 
"Winter is going to change things, and quite dramatically," says DanVanDyke, fish biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Rogue District.
— Mark Freeman 
  

(Right: A picture provided to OSMB from Mike Cooley and the drift run that is the safest through the old Gold Ray Dam.)

McKenzie River at Eagle Rock - Reported 5/16/13
Location: 44.107197'N, -122.429308'W

A tree from the hillside has fallen into the river and is protruding into the river from the left bank.  Presently there is sufficient water to safely negotiate around it, but boaters are advised to use caution as water levels change.  Forest Glen and Finn Rock boat launches upstream have been posted with information signs.  Lane County Marine Patrol is monitoring the obstruction and will keep us advised.

 

Reported August 27, 2012 

Two large trees (with root wads) that were previously upstream of Bellinger boat ramp have floated downstream and are river-left when heading downstream.  Signs have been posted at Bellinger and Hendricks Wayside boat ramps alerting boaters to the obstruction.  Lane County Marine Patrol contracted with a private party to mitigate the trees and most of the obstruction has been removed.  Tree limbs remain and are readily visible. 
 

McKenzie River Below Leaburg Dam -Reported May 15, 2012A large boulder is in the middle of the only chute/pathway directly below the boat slide downstream of the Leaburg Dam.  Multiple boulders have migrated into this channel, lodging the largest one.  As the water level drops, boaters can easily capsize when attempting to use the slide.  Lane County Marine Patrol Deputies are assessing the hazard and will advise how boaters can successfully navigate the hazard or how it can be mitigated.
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Above Lodge Pole Day Use Area

Near Siltcoos Road west of the work center.  A tree fell across the river last summer, landing in the Lodge Pole day use area.  Boaters are advised to use extreme caution when navigating around the obstruction.  It has been reported that kayakers are passing through it without issue.

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Umpqua River Between Boulder Flat and Eagle Rock - Reported 5/16/13​

The boat ramp at Boulder Flat Campground on the North Umpqua River is temporarily closed because of a large tree that is fully spanning the river. The tree is between Boulder Flat and Eagle Rock campgrounds. The next downriver launch site is located at Marsters Bridge, west of Eagle Rock Campground. The tree is scheduled to be moved on Thursday, May 23, by a contractor with specialized equipment who has removed several boating hazards on the North Umpqua. Forest Service officials plan on re-opening the boat ramp in time for the weekend of May 25. The tree will be re-positioned to eliminate the boating hazard, while still providing habitat for important salmon and steelhead in the river. Officials say another large tree is fully spanning the river below Soda Springs Dam. It will take the agency longer to deal with it. To check on the status of the Boulder Flat boat ramp or tree below Soda Springs Dam, you can call the North Umpqua Ranger District at 541-496-3532.  - As reported by KPIC.com staff.

 

February 4, 2013 -North Umpqua near Glide

A 1985 Jeep Cherokee was involved in an accident along the North Umpqua River just above Colliding Rivers, plunging into the river.  Due to high and swift water, tow companies have not been able to retrieved the vehicle. The vehicle is in the middle of the river.  Signs have been posted upriver alerting boaters about the submersed vehicle.  At this time it is not deemed a navigation hazard because boaters can safely steer clear on either side.    

 

North Umpqua - Above Boulder Hole (Marker 52)
  
A tree is lodged on the North Umpqua (scenic) just above Boulder Hole, which is below Boulder Flats Campground (MP 52). This is very hazardous to navigate. The Marine Board is working with local law enforcement to sign the hazard. 

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Blue-Green Algae Advisories
 
When are advisories issued?
The Department of Human Services Public Health office of Environmental Toxicology evaluates bluegreen algae test data to determine whether algal blooms present hazards to animals or human beings. DHS does not have resources to collect or test algae samples, but DHS often receives reports of testing done by private contractors, researchers or other government agencies.

Why are advisories issued?
Algal blooms are common in surface waters throughout Oregon, and generally blooms contain many species of algae. Most algaes are harmless, but there are several species of bluegreen algae (also known as cyanobacteria) that may produce toxins that are potentially harmful. In Oregon the primary algaes of concern are Microcystis and Anabaena. Others may be identified in the future.
Advisories are issued by DHS when cell counts exceed certain limits or when potentially harmful toxin levels are found. Toxins in water may be absorbed by humans when swallowed, and when inhaled as droplets or spray in the air. Pets and domestic animals are at risk as well as human beings.

Advisories may include warnings against ingesting water, swimming or bathing, or inhaling water droplets. Advisories may also include information about treating water to reduce or eliminate toxins.

How long do advisories last?
Dangerous algal blooms may develop and disappear within a matter of days, or they may continue for weeks or months. The longest advisory period for any water body in Oregon to date began in early June and lasted into late November. The intensity of the bloom and the concentrations of toxin in a water body are not uniform. Often thealgaes are most dense around the edges of the water body, but wind or water currents may change the location of affected areas very quickly.

Usually a dangerous bloom is associated with a distinctbluegreen color and cloudiness in the water. Algal blooms often produce large floating masses of green, yellow or bluish green slime. Visibly affected water should be avoided whether or not there is an official advisory in place.
 
Blue-Green Algae Health Concerns in Oregon- frequently asked questions about blue-green algae

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Cape Kiwanda

The Dorymen's Association and local surfers are working together on solutions to prevent
accidents on Cape Kiwanda.  Tragedy hit the Pacific City cove on July 6, 2008 when a young surfer was seriously injured when a dory boat prop struck him.
 
Improved signage, better coordination between user groups and partnerships with local business to help distribute brochures with safety messaging have been developed to improve safety.  
 

Local users know the risks of being on the beach.  The Dorymen's Association and local surfers want to help educate and inform vacationers and out-of-towners (beach combers, kayaks, swimmers, waders, kite surfers, etc.) about the dory boat launching/beach landing, and being more aware of beach safety.  Both groups want to help make the beach safe for everyone, and not impose regulations that prohibit any user group from doing what they enjoy.
 
 
For more information about the Dorymen's Association, visit:  www.pcdorymen.com
 
 

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