[OSMB-News] News Release -Increased Flow on North Santiam Means Cold Water

Ashley Massey ashley.massey at state.or.us
Thu Jul 30 13:15:46 PDT 2009


For Immediate Release	Date: Thursday, July 30, 2009 

Increased Flow on North Santiam Means Cold Water 

	
With valley residents seeking respite from the heat, the Oregon State
Marine Board would like to remind people who are going to the North
Santiam River, to be ready for colder, swifter water and to wear a life
jacket.  The Big Cliff boat launch will also be closed for spillway gate
repair, and boaters will need to launch elsewhere.
	 
The Army Corps of Engineers announced on Wednesday that the downstream
water flow from the Big Cliff Dam will be returning to near-normal
levels by late morning, which means the water being released from the
dam is very cold.  Water temperatures measured at the USGS Niagra gage
on Wednesday were reported to be 53°F, which was an 11.5°F drop from the
day before.  Water flowing into the North Santiam River is expected to
be in the upper 40°F range today.  Water temperatures will begin to
increase downstream, away from the dam. 

Swimmers and boaters are reminded to wear a properly fitting life
jacket when boating, floating and wading.  Because of the cold water
temperature, extremities can get numb very quickly, causing cramping,
numbness, and the inability to swim.  Wearing a life jacket will keep
the body’s core warm and provide flotation in deeper water with strong
current.  It takes approximately 15 minutes to become mildly hypothermic
in 40-50°F water.  There have already been half-a-dozen swift water
rescues on the North Santiam since Memorial Day.  
	
The Corps has also closed the boat launch at Big Cliff while repairs
are being made to the gates.  Boaters can find out when the launch will
be reopened by visiting www.boatoregon.com/OSMB/BoatFac/index.shtml.
###


Ashley A. Massey
Public Information Officer
Oregon State Marine Board
503-378-2623
503-378-8587 ext. 82623
ashley.massey at state.or.us

"Go with the flow...and don't fight the current."




More information about the OSMB-News mailing list