The John Day River crested at 8.13 feet Monday
By Logan Bagett on Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
JOHN DAY – UPDATE (1/23/24): As of 5:00 Tuesday morning, the river was down to 6.09 feet, well below flood and action stages. No closures or evacuations have been issued in Grant County at this time. There are some high-water spots between John Day and Prairie City on US Highway 26, and travelers should look for the signs. ODOT reminds travelers to take your time, slow down, and drive with caution.
There were other reports from around the county regarding the high-water event. At approximately 2pm yesterday, a mudslide was reported on County Road 18, Keeny Forks Road. Stay tuned for updates and travel with caution around the county. Also, download the free Elkhorn Mobile App for breaking news updates.
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED: (1/22 @ 6:45 p.m.) – The John Day River officially entered flood stage on Monday, January 22. Information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows that the river level surpassed the 8-foot mark near Dog Creek on Monday evening.
Grant County Emergency Management Coordinator Eric Bush says, “If you live near a waterway or area that commonly floods, make sure you keep a close eye on water levels. …Please call in if you have flooding in or around your home, business or roadway. First responders, road department officials, and other partners will assess and take what actions are possible to mitigate the impacts.”
As of Monday at 7:00 p.m., no evacuations have been issued in Grant County. Follow this story for updates.
Find the Flood Warning from the National Weather Service below:
(From the National Weather Service)
The National Weather Service in Pendleton, OR has issued a Flood
Warning for the following rivers in Oregon…
John Day River near John Day affecting Grant County.
For the John Day River…including Service Creek, Monument, John
Day…Minor flooding is forecast.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks.
FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL LATE TONIGHT… * WHAT…Minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE…John Day River near John Day. * WHEN…Until late tonight. * IMPACTS…At 8.0 feet, Minor flooding of lowland fields and pastures throughout the valley. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS… – At 3:00 PM PST Monday the stage was 7.8 feet. – Bankfull stage is 6.0 feet. – Forecast…The river is expected to rise above flood stage this evening to a crest of 8.0 feet late this evening. It will then fall below flood stage by tomorrow morning. – Flood stage is 8.0 feet.
*****
PREVIOUSLY POSTED: (1/22 at 1 p.m.) – As of 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 22nd, the John Day River has entered action stage at 7.5 feet, and is approaching flood stage at 8 feet. The Grant County Emergency Management Office advises that if you live near a waterway or area that commonly floods, make sure to keep a close eye on water levels.
Emergency Management Coordinator Eric Bush wrote, “For the last 48 hours we have seen a steady, rapid increase in water levels.” He said to call in if you have flooding in or around your home, business or roadway. First responders, road department officials and other partners will assess and take what actions are possible to mitigate the impacts.”
Stay posted for updates.
PREVIOUS (1/22 at 6:00 a.m.): As of 6 o’clock this morning, the John Day River was measured at 6.54 feet, which is over a foot higher than the forecast level of 5.34 feet.
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED: Grant County Emergency Management Coordinator Eric Bush recently posted to the office’s social media page, highlighting that the John Day River levels are currently above the forecast level from the National Weather Service.
For Sunday, Jan. 21st, at noon, the John Day River was measured at 5.85 feet, which is well above the forecast level of 4.28 feet. Keep in mind, that action stage is at 7.5 feet, with minor flooding beginning at 8 feet. We’ll provide updates as river levels rise.
A Hydrologic Outlook has been issued by the National Weather Service for the Southern Blue Mountains, including Long Creek and surrounding areas. With several rounds of rainfall expected through the beginning of the week and warming temperatures, there will be concerns for possible localized flooding issues across the area which will need to be monitored.
There are no warnings or outlooks currently issued for the John Day Basin.
RIVER LEVELS ON SUNDAY, 1/21 AT NOON:
