News Release from: Clackamas Co. Sheriff's Office
Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol alerts boaters to recent landslide, debris in Clackamas River
Jan. 21, 2010 UPDATE: MARINE DEPUTIES RELY ON MOTHER NATURE TO ATTEND TO CLACKAMAS RIVER SLIDE
On Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Marine deputies returned to the site along the Clackamas River where a landslide was discovered approximately one mile downstream from Barton Park on Wednesday (Jan. 20).
This portion of the Clackamas River is estimated to be approximately 100-150 feet across. The resulting landslide carried a large amount of earth and at least five large trees an estimated 40 feet into the river, and appears to be stable. This portion of the river still provides at least 100 feet of navigable waterway around the slide area.
After assessing the situation, today, deputies report that they're inclined at this point to allow Mother Nature to take her course, and won't disturb this naturally caused phenomenon in the river.
Marine deputies want to be certain boaters are aware of this hazardous debris field and the location of the occurrence. In the event some of the large trees associated with this slide should become dislodged and move downstream -- causing a blockage in a river channel downstream -- Marine deputies may then be forced to cut through the blockage to clear a navigable route for river traffic.
The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Public Information Unit responded to the Clackamas River today (Jan. 21) and recorded a video interview with CCSO Marine Deputy Doug Olsen. This video is available on the Sheriff's Office FTP site; contact PIO Jim Strovink for download details.
EARLIER: January 20th, 2010 4:46 PM
Photos: [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ]
On Jan. 20, 2010, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol reported a landslide along the Clackamas River -- approximately one mile downstream from Barton Park.
The photos linked above illustrate the significance of this landslide -- which caused large trees to block a portion of the river.
The Marine Patrol urges boaters to use caution while traveling along this portion of the Clackamas River. In addition, dislodged sediment may eventually alter river channels downstream from this location. Changes in water levels may also dislodge these trees in the water -- causing them to float downstream and block other river channels.
The attached photo images are provided courtesy of the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office.
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Contact Info: Jim Strovink, Detective
On Jan. 20, 2010, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol reported a landslide along the Clackamas River -- approximately one mile downstream from Barton Park.