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High Snowpack Plus High Temperatures Equals Potential Danger

The sudden arrival of summery weather in Oregon – combined with above-average snowpack in the mountains – mean rivers in the region are running higher – and colder – than normal. Officials say that – with Memorial Day coming up -- playing on the rivers could be more dangerous.

It’s been nearly 10 years since river conditions were like this. Lots of freshly melted snowpack means rivers may shift course, covering familiar beaches and creating new obstacles and current patterns. Chamise Kramer, with the Rogue River- Siskiyou National Forest, says that uncertainty could make for unexpected hazards.

“Faster flows would mean that if somebody jumped in thinking they could swim across the river, they can’t necessarily tell how fast the current is going and can quickly get swept downstream,” she says.

Officials also warn that frigid water can drain your mental and physical strength surprisingly quickly. They urge people enjoying the rivers to carefully assess new flow and current situations, to have a realistic sense of their swimming and boating skills and to never go out alone. 

Liam Moriarty has been covering news in the Pacific Northwest for three decades. He served two stints as JPR News Director and retired full-time from JPR at the end of 2021. Liam now edits and curates the news on JPR's website and digital platforms.