Weather Closes Oregon River and Bar Crossings

Coastal and inland waterways are dangerous, but the roads to the Oregon coast are clear.

Coast Guard vessel on the Chelto River Bar Courtesy: image55.webshots.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - Rivers in western Oregon are swelling with runoff from recent snow and coastal conditions have become hazardous in some areas.

The Wheatland Ferry will be closed due to high water on the Willamette River beginning Monday, December 29th at 5:30 AM. Operators of the ferry say they will send out notification when the ferry is back in operation.

The Coast Guard closed the Chetco River, Oregon bar at 3:00 PM today due to hazardous conditions.

They say that due to high water volumes, debris and limited search and rescue capabilities the Chetco River bar is closed to all vessels.

All vessels are advised to divert to Coos Bay, Oregon, Crescent City, California, or be prepared to remain at sea until conditions improve.

Mariners may contact the Coast Guard via Channel 16 for further information or to request crossing.

It is expected that the COTP Portland will reopen the Chetco River bar on or before Tuesday.

With severe weather approaching, the Coast Guard reminds boaters and beach-goers to be prepared and stay aware. Strong winds and heavy surf are forecast over the next several days.

On the subject of coastal cities, Andre' Hagestedt with BeachConnection.net, says all of the coastal passes in Oregon are open now, and businesses there that took a hit from the winter snow are also open for business.

"I just drove Highway 26 and there are absolutely no problems on that road....in fact it's unusually beautiful and ethereal with all the snow surrounding the highway. It looks a little fairy tale-like," Hagestedt reported.

He says Highway 18's Van Duzer is largely the same, which we can verify as of Saturday night, as is Highway 6 to Tillamook.

He says coastal businesses are reporting a possibly worse economic impact from this snow storm than last year's wind storm. Many are saying it's the worst December on record.

Oregon's coast and rivers are an asset and they can be dangerous. While the stores and attractions are open, visitors should still use extreme caution on beaches and near all waterways during storms.