| Navigation Hazards & Health Advisories |
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| Navigation Hazards: |
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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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| Clackamas River, Clackamas County |
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1 Mile downstream from Barton Park
Reported 1/20/10 by Clackamas County Marine Patrol
Boaters are advised to use caution when transiting the area. Dislodged sediment from the landslide may alter river channels downstream. Changes in water levels may dislodge the trees causing them to float downstream and potentially block other river channels.
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| North Santiam River -Linn and Marion Counties |
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NEW! -Wiseman Island and Greens Bridge Downstream
From the North Santiam River Rafters -Bill Sanderson and photos courtesy of Will High
The next "Learn the River" trip is on April 3, 2010 from Stayton to Green's 
Bridge. This trip includes the area that has frequent log jams, between Shelburn and Green's Bridge.
Boaters who do not want to row around the tree
trunks can pull out at Shelburn, which is eight miles below Stayton and five miles above Green's Bridge.
Volunteers are scheduling to go
on this section of the river on March 15, 2010 to help clear out some of the navigation hazards before the regular "Learn the River" trip.
Please call Bill Sanderson (503) 897-3301 if you are interested in going along for the preview trip on March 15 that will include some hazard mitigation work on branches and logs.
Downriver from the Buell Miller Boat Ramp
Reported 12/16/09 by Linn County Sheriff's Office
Three miles down river from the Buell Miller boat ramp there are 3 trees blocking the 80 foot river passage that is now the main portion of the river. In this area there are no banks and or safe take-out for boats. The current is swift and the water level is rising due to recent rain.
Signs are being constructed and will be posted at the boat ramps about the hazard on 12/18/09.
Thanks to North Santiam Steelheaders' volunteers, the tops of the trees have been clipped back in a way to provide passage. Thus, knowledgeable boaters can get around them, novices should be warned (and assume all risk) and beginners need to avoid this area.
Another Hazard Near the Confluence of the North and South Santiam
Reports were received of a large cottonwood tree blocking the main channel near the confluence of the South Santiam. Signs have been posted upstream of the hazard by law enforcement over the weekend of June 20, 2009. River Guides and Steelheaders report that the present situation is non-navigable. It is not safe for novices. Law enforcement officials are working with a local contractor and hope to have the tree removed by Thursday, June 25, 2009.
Hazard Near the Confluence of the North Santiam and South Santiam Rivers
UPDATE:
On June 11, 2009, Marion and Benton County Marine Patrols, with the help of Corvallis Fire and civilian volunteers removed portions of this very hazardous obstruction.
Permanent warning signs will be posted at Green's Bridge and just above the navigation hazard. This area continues to be extremely hazardous due to river flows and a large log jam. The channel is opened enough for float and motorized traffic, but still requires skill to navigate. Suggested portage via the large gravel bar on the left, around the hazard.
There is still a submerged log that will remain a hazard for many years, according to law enforcement. The log is submerged (see image below -you can see the riffles) on the right side near where the log was cut:
Read more about the jam from the Albany Democrat Herald, June 10 edition:
Prepare before floating the river...
May and June, 2009 
Northwest Steelheaders report that the areas between Green Bridge and Jefferson are extremely hazardous to boaters. At least a dozen rescues have been made since Memorial Day Weekendand with those being rescued suffering from injuries. The main flow of the river goes right under and into downed trees/root wads (aka -strainers). This area is particularly dangerous for people traveling down-river in inner tubes and inflatable craft, as they will be carried directly into the hazard and potentially pinned.
The most noted snags are in the lower part of the North Santiam, less than half a mile above the confluence with the South Santiam, about three miles below Green's Bridge. Boats will need to portage around the obstructions. The Northwest Steelheaders have offered to help cut out the problem snags.
If you plan on taking runs in this area, keep a sharp lookout ahead of all turns.
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| Warrior Rock -Lower Columbia River |
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The ongoing Columbia River Channel Improvement Project to deepen the shipping channel from 40' to 43' has reached a crucial stage at Warrior Rock upstream from St. Helens, Oregon between river miles 87 and 88. From November 1 through the month of February, paddlers and recreational boaters without marine radios can call the Marine Transportation Coordinator on the drill boat to find out about when to avoid the area. The coordinator can be reached at 503-396-9893.
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| Restricted Channel Notification -Tualatin River @ Fields Bridge |
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Beginning June 19, 2009 through September 30, 2010, the navigation channel on the Tualatin River at Fields Bridge will be restricted to 40 -ft wide by 10 -feet high. Work will include old bridge removal and new bridge installation. Signs and/or information advising the retriction will be installed June 1-5, 2009 by the Clackamas County Marine Patrol. Demolition of the existing bridge will start on or near July 15, 2009 and be complete around August 21, 2009. This may require some additional restrictions when the structure is being removed.
For more information, contact Eric Holland, Project Manager for Wildish Standard Paving Co. at 541-683-7753.
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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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