Boating Hazard Reported on South Santiam River

Foster Reservoir just east of Sweet Home Photo courtesy: City of Sweet Home

(SWEET HOME) - Boaters on the South Santiam River have reported a potentially dangerous obstruction about two miles below the Wiley Creek Park Boat Launch between Sweet Home and Foster Reservoir.

A large cottonwood tree has fallen into the river making passage especially tricky for drift boats, inner-tubers, and other types of craft, as the water levels continue to drop.

The Marine Board urges caution in this stretch of the river while managers look for a way to move the tree to a less dangerous location.

They say that anyone planning to go in the water should wear their life jackets and scout rapids and corners before committing downriver. Oregon's summer started with a string of river drownings, the Marine Board urges residents to do everything possible to stay safe.

For information on the status of the tree hazard, visit www.boatoregon.com