Flood Warning Continues For The Siletz River

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the Siletz River today December 18th and tomorrow December 19th. Minor flooding is forecast. The river level is expected to be above 20.0 feet, expect widespread flooding downstream. Increased flooding can be expected in the housing development downstream from Mack Landing. Numerous private roads and a trailer park between mile post 2.5 and mile post 5 near Sunset Landing to Coyote Rock are flooded. Flooding may be exacerbated during high tide.

At 10:30 AM on December 17th the flood stage was 9.1 feet. Bank full stage is 12.0 feet. The river is expected to rise above flood stage late this afternoon or early evening. It is expected to peak at 19.39 feet tonight or early tomorrow morning before falling below flood stage, which is at 16 feet. As a reminder if drivers encounter flooded roads you should turn around and be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. There are sandbag stations available in Newport, Lincoln City and Yachats.

Heavy rainfall from a forecasted atmospheric river event may result in landslides and debris flows in areas of steep terrain, as well as debris flows in and near burned areas from recent wildfires. The watch area includes all of Northwest Oregon. Find the latest information here: https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=pqr&wwa=all

Debris flows are rapidly moving, extremely destructive landslides. They can contain boulders and logs transported in a fast-moving soil and water slurry down steep hillsides and through narrow canyons. They can easily travel a mile or more. A debris flow moves faster than a person can run. People, structures, and roads located below steep slopes in canyons and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk.

If your home, work, or travel route is in a watch area:

• Stay alert. Track the flood watch by radio 100.7 The Otter, TV, weather radio, or online. If told to evacuate, do so immediately.

• Listen. Unusual sounds might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. If you think there is danger of a landslide, leave immediately.

• Watch the water. If water in a stream or creek suddenly turns muddy or the amount of water flowing suddenly decreases or increases, this is a warning that the flow has been affected upstream. You should immediately leave the area because a debris flow may soon be coming downstream.

• Travel with extreme caution. Assume roads are not safe. Be alert when driving, especially at night. Embankments along roadsides may fail, sending rock and debris onto the road.

More information can be found on the Lincoln County Emergency services website.