| Navigation Hazards on Waterways |
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| Navigation Hazards: |
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Reporting a Hazard: If you notice a boating hazard, we want to know! We have created an easy form for you to fill out and mail or email to us. Pictures do speak 1000 words, so if you can, submit a photo of the hazard as well:
Boaters: Maintain a sharp lookout and be properly equipped with life jackets, throw ropes, and other equipment in case of an emergency.
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| Statewide Valley Rivers and Bays |
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SAFETY FIRST...Scout the River Before Launching
Watch for trees, root wads and snags, floating debris and other hazards. Remember, rivers are dynamic, meaning they are constantly changing depending on rain, snow melt, erosion, and other factors. Boaters should expect log jams, and other obstacles (in conjunction with deviation from normal river patterns) and need to know what to do when they encounter hazards to protect property and lives.
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| Rivers with Consistent Naviation Hazards |
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Some of Oregon's rivers are prone to natural naviation hazards 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 hazards and who will then name the hazard based on:
- Waterbody
- Proximity to known landmarks vs. river miles
The Marine Board will then use these names to correlate onto maps for perspective.
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| Columbia River System |
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The Coast Guard is responding to a derelict barge on the Columbia River.
Barge 202, a 90-foot derelict vessle 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.
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| Willamette River System |
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Albany Railroad Bridge
Strong warning to nonmotorized boaters.
Logs and debris have been piling up against the center pier of the Albany railroad bridge on the Willamette River.
UPDATE:
January flooding has increased debris in rivers statewide. Tree debris has accumulated at the Albany Railroad Bridge.
The current is extremely strong and boaters are urged to stay clear of the hazard to avoid being drawn into it.
Albany Democrat Herald article regarding this hazard.
Lane's Turn -First Reported 5/21/11
The Lane Co. Marine Patrol report a dangerous navigation hazard at Lane's Turn, on the Willamette River, one mile above the Marshall Island boat ramp. On Saturday, May 21, a drift boat with three on board overturned. The men made it out of the river safely, but the drift boat sank. Please keep a sharp lookout and put in below this hazard. The Marine Patrol are assessing this hazard to see if it can be mitigated safely.
Update: On August 21, two boaters needed rescue after becoming trapped against the trees. Lane County Marine Patrol report extremely strong current with the depth between 10-15 feet. Boaters, especially in less maneuverable craft, are advised to stay well clear of this hazard and to wear properly fitting life jackets. The hazard appears to be too risky for personnel to remove safely at this time.
I-5 Construction near Springfield
River re-opened to boating on August 5, 2011:
Marine Board Lifts Closure of Willamette near I-5 Bridge Construction
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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.
Read official press release:
Willamette River Closed at Springfield I-5 Bridge
Follow ODOT's Blog for the latest updates on the Bridge construction.
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| Rogue River System |
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Rogue Elk Park -Upstream of the "Pumphole" -reported 8/11/11
Jackson County Marine Patrol reported a strainer (overhanging tree) in the Rogue River near Rogue Elk Park, just upstream from the "Pumphole" near MP 182.5. Five assistance calls have been received by the marine patrol in recent days. The Sheriff's Office and the Parks program manager are working on mitigating this hazard.
Series of Hazards Upstream of Tou Velle to Valley of the Rogue State Park -Reported 8/2/11
 Reported 8/2/11
Over the course of the last two weeks, numerous close calls and rescues have taken place on the Rogue River involving rafters, kayakers and other watercraft who have sunk or hung up on four separate trees that have fallen in the main channel or protrude close to the channel. These obstructions are in four different locations on the Rogue River.
The Jackson County Marine Patrol is working with a local contractor to mitigate these hazards.
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 driftboats.
Since a boating ban was lifted on this stretch Oct. 15, most driftboaters 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 Dan VanDyke, fish biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Rogue District.
— Mark Freeman
(Left: A picture provided to OSMB from Mike Cooley and the drift run that is the safest through the old Gold Ray Dam.)
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| McKenzie River System |
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Near McKenzie Bridge Boat Ramp, one mile west of McKenzie Bridge
Reported February 6, 2012:
A large tree fell across the McKenzie River, blocking river passage below McKenzie Bridge boat launch, one mile west of McKenzie Bridge. The tree, roughly four feet in diameter, completely spans the river. It was reported today and the Forest Service is now assessing options on how to restore passage.
Terry Baker, District Ranger for the McKenzie River Ranger District, urges river users to take precautions when floating the river. “Conditions on the McKenzie River are changing constantly,” he said. “To be safe, anyone planning on floating the river should scout the river before launching.”
When trees from National Forest lands fall and block passage in the McKenzie River, the McKenzie River Ranger District’s primary goal is to restore river passage. Other goals include improving fish habitat and maintaining the natural, scenic character of the river.
For more information on the fallen tree contact the McKenzie River Ranger District at 541.822.3381 or visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/willamette and click on Current Conditions.
Below Bellinger Landing -Reported 6/15/11
 Fallen trees are blocking the river's left channel. This is the main for the summertime flow. The channel has had trees in it for the last several years and has been tough to navigate.
A complaint was made to the Lane County Marine Patrol from a local resident and scouted. Law enforcement personnel were able to get through without any problem in their 22 foot jet boat. The trees that are currently in the channel have water running all around them and can’t be cut safely. In order to get a piece of equipment to them a road would need to be made about 1 mile long through the woods and is not feasible. Lane County Marine Patrol will continue to monitor and report back when the water level drops if mitigation is warranted.
KVAL -Nine Rescued from McKenzie River (July 24).
Ben and Kay Dorris Park Boat Ramp
A 60' x 80' tree has gone down across the boat ramp. This area is frequently used by rafters and can be navigated around. The Lane County Marine Patrol contacted Lane County Parks to report the hazard and is assisting the county to find a contractor who can remove the tree.
Boaters can safely portage around the hazard when launching.
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| Umpqua River System |
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Snag Rock -Near River Mile Marker 51
A large log is lodged on what's called "Snag Rock" on the Umpqua River upstream of the Copland Creek gauge station. Stay river right and well clear of this hazard to avoid the hydraulics.
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| Health Advisories |
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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 waterbody 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 waterbody are not uniform. Often the algaes are most dense around the edges of the waterbody, but wind or water currents may change the location of affected areas very quickly.
Usually a dangerous bloom is associated with a distinct bluegreen 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 (pdf)- frequently asked questions about blue-green algae
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| Caution Urged for Dory Boats and Surfers |
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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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