deschutes river rafting deaths

The Deschutes River is a popular rafting destination, but it’s important to be aware of the dangers before you go. In recent years, there have been several deaths on the river, so it’s important to take precautions to stay safe.

High Water Levels

High water levels are one of the biggest dangers on the Deschutes River. The river is fed by snowmelt from the Cascade Mountains, and the water level can rise quickly in the spring and early summer. When the water level is high, the river current is stronger and there are more hazards to avoid, such as strainers and logjams.

In 2016, a group of rafters were swept away by a sudden surge of water on the Deschutes River. Two of the rafters drowned, and the other two were rescued by a helicopter.

To avoid the dangers of high water levels, it’s important to check the river conditions before you go rafting. The National Weather Service provides a river forecast for the Deschutes River, and it’s important to check the forecast before you go. If the water level is high, it’s best to wait until the water level drops before rafting.

If you do find yourself on the river when the water level is high, it’s important to be aware of the hazards and to take precautions to stay safe. Stay close to the shore and avoid areas with fast-moving water. Be aware of strainers and logjams, and avoid getting caught in them. If you do get caught in a strainer or logjam, try to stay calm and wait for help to arrive.
Here are some additional tips for staying safe on the Deschutes River when the water level is high⁚

• Wear a life jacket at all times.
• Stay close to the shore and avoid areas with fast-moving water.
• Be aware of strainers and logjams, and avoid getting caught in them.
• If you do get caught in a strainer or logjam, try to stay calm and wait for help to arrive.
• If you see someone in trouble on the river, call 911 immediately.

Cold Water Temperatures

The Deschutes River is a cold river, even in the summer. The water temperature can be as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and it can be even colder in the spring and fall. Cold water can cause hypothermia, which is a serious medical condition that can lead to death.

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce heat. When the body temperature drops, the heart, nervous system, and other organs can stop working properly. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, drowsiness, and loss of coordination.

In 2015, a rafter died of hypothermia on the Deschutes River. The rafter was not wearing a wetsuit or drysuit, and he fell into the river after his raft overturned. He was able to swim to shore, but he died of hypothermia before help could arrive.

To avoid the dangers of cold water temperatures, it’s important to wear a wetsuit or drysuit when rafting on the Deschutes River. A wetsuit or drysuit will help to keep you warm and prevent hypothermia.

Here are some additional tips for staying safe in cold water⁚

• Wear a wetsuit or drysuit when rafting on the Deschutes River.
• Stay close to the shore and avoid areas with fast-moving water.
• Be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypothermia.
• If you think someone is suffering from hypothermia, call 911 immediately.

Rapids

The Deschutes River is known for its whitewater rapids. While these rapids can be exciting to navigate, they can also be dangerous. In recent years, there have been several deaths on the Deschutes River, and many of these deaths have occurred in rapids.

Rapids are caused by changes in the river’s depth, width, and gradient. These changes can create turbulent water and waves, which can make it difficult to control a raft. Rapids are rated on a scale of I to VI, with Class I being the easiest and Class VI being the most difficult.

The Deschutes River has a variety of rapids, ranging from Class I to Class V. Some of the most popular rapids on the river include⁚

• Big Eddy (Class IV)
• Benham Falls (Class V)
• Lower Bridge Rapid (Class IV)
• Sherars Falls (Class IV)
• Tumalo Falls (Class IV)

It is important to be aware of the difficulty of the rapids before you go rafting on the Deschutes River. If you are not experienced in whitewater rafting, it is best to choose a trip that includes easier rapids.

Here are some additional tips for staying safe in rapids⁚

• Stay close to the shore and avoid areas with fast-moving water.
• Be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypothermia.
• If you think someone is suffering from hypothermia, call 911 immediately.

Strainers

Strainers are underwater obstacles that can trap and drown rafters. Strainers can be created by a variety of objects, including⁚

• Fallen trees
• Logs
• Rocks
• Debris

Strainers are often difficult to see, especially in whitewater. If a raft becomes trapped in a strainer, it can be very difficult to escape. The force of the water can hold the raft in place, and the current can make it difficult to swim to safety.

Strainers are a serious hazard on the Deschutes River. In recent years, there have been several deaths on the river, and many of these deaths have occurred in strainers.

Here are some tips for avoiding strainers⁚

• Stay away from areas with fast-moving water.
• Be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypothermia.
• If you think someone is suffering from hypothermia, call 911 immediately.

If you do become trapped in a strainer, try to remain calm and call for help. Do not try to swim against the current. Instead, try to float downstream until you can reach safety.

Other Hazards

In addition to the hazards listed above, there are a number of other hazards that rafters should be aware of, including⁚

• Cold water temperatures⁚ The Deschutes River is a cold river, and even in the summer months, the water temperature can be below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold water can quickly lead to hypothermia, which can be fatal.
• Debris⁚ The Deschutes River is a debris-filled river, and rafters should be aware of the potential for debris to cause injury or damage to rafts. Debris can include logs, rocks, and other objects.
• Wildlife⁚ The Deschutes River is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, cougars, and rattlesnakes. Rafters should be aware of the potential for wildlife encounters and take precautions to avoid conflicts.
• Human error⁚ Human error is a major factor in many rafting accidents. Rafters should always follow the instructions of their guide and wear a life jacket.

Here are some tips for avoiding other hazards on the Deschutes River⁚

• Dress warmly and wear a life jacket.
• Be aware of the potential for debris and wildlife encounters.
• Follow the instructions of your guide.

By following these tips, rafters can help to reduce the risk of injury or death on the Deschutes River.

Conclusion

The Deschutes River is a beautiful and exciting river to raft, but it’s important to be aware of the dangers before you go. By taking precautions to stay safe, rafters can help to reduce the risk of injury or death.

Here are some final tips for staying safe on the Deschutes River⁚

• Choose a reputable rafting company.
• Follow the instructions of your guide.
• Wear a life jacket.
• Be aware of the potential for hazards.
• Dress warmly and bring extra clothing.
• Stay hydrated.
• Let someone know your rafting plans.

By following these tips, rafters can help to ensure that their rafting trip is a safe and enjoyable one.

Remember, the Deschutes River is a powerful river. Always respect the river and be prepared for the unexpected;