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.

Democrat-Herald