Eastern Oregon waterways still dangerously cold despite warm weather
By Joe Hathaway on Friday, May 10th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
NORTHEAST OREGON — After cool, even snowy weather continued through April and the beginning of May, it’s going to start looking like spring this weekend in Eastern Oregon.
Temperatures will surge into the 70’s and 80’s and stay warm through the weekend.
However, the nice temperatures come with danger, as early season water temperatures remain very cold and can often lead to drownings or other incidents.
Cole Evans, Meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Pendleton said this time of year temperatures in bodies of water across Oregon can range from the low 40s to the mid 50s.
“Obviously people around here are eager to venture into the outdoors as soon as it warms up, but with ongoing snowmelt in the mountains, this runoff ends up in our rivers, causing cold water temperatures despite warm air temperatures,” said Evans. “Water takes much longer to warm up than air, so people see the forecast and then our flowing rivers as a result of mountain snow melt and are eager to take part in summertime activities, but don’t always take the proper precautions.”
He said those swimming or boating over the weekend need to remain cautious.
“Even though it’s going to be warm in terms of the temperature, those rivers and lakes are still going to be dangerously cold,” Evans said. “It may be warm outside, but someone in the water could find themselves rapidly succumbing to hypothermia, as water temps will take weeks, even more than a month to warm to more tolerable values”
Evans says along with hypothermia, people can also experience cold water shock when jumping into frigid water. Cold water shock often occurs when the weather is warm and people suddenly fall into cold waters. The sudden change in temperature causes an involuntary gasp, increasing the risk that the person will inhale water and drown.
“We can’t stress it enough, just be careful if you get out into the water this spring and early summer,” said Evans. “Water temps will take weeks, even more than a month to warm to more tolerable values”.
According to information from the Oregon State Marine Board, there are always spikes in water-related fatalities during the first warm stretch of weather in the year.
The Marine Board says in order to stay safe in cold water temperatures and swift currents, those heading to the water this weekend should use life jackets and check water level conditions. Bodies of water may be filled with debris from the winter causing obstructions.
