For Immediate Release 1/20/12
9 a.m. Status Update:
Waters of the Mohawk, Siuslaw and Long Tom Rivers continue to recede after heavy rains decreased over the past 8 hours. Residents may start returning to their homes at this time. You are encouraged to conduct a visual check of your property and structures for safe access and document any flood related damage that has occurred. All shelters that were set up for area residents have been closed.
Mapleton Area: Last night the Siuslaw River reached a high point of 28.07 feet, just shy of the 30.2 feet which occurred in 1996. Currently the river’s level is at 21.58 which is still above the flood level of 18 feet. Highway 36 remains closed due to several rock and mud slides. Currently Highway 126 at Cushman is open but may have short term closures due to tides and receding, but still high, river levels. There is no alternate route during these closures.
Mohawk Valley Area: The Mohawk River, which reached a high-point last night of 17.86 feet, has receded to a current depth of 14.43 feet, just under the 15 foot flood stage level. Sunderman Road has trace amounts of surface water on it but has been re-opened to traffic.
Noti, Poodle Creek area: Waters have receded to localized surface water. Poodle Creek Road is open and accessible at this time.
Willamette River: The Willamette River is expected to generate a few areas of minor, localized flooding in farmlands of northern Lane County. At 4 a.m. the Willamette at the Harrisburg gauge was nearing a forecasted crest at 13.34 feet. Flood level is 14 feet. Some localized flooding has already occurred.
Road Closures: Public Works crews continue to address road barriers and are assessing all County road closures in effect. Updated road closure information will be available by noon, today. Residents are encouraged to be alert for continued surface water and debris on the roadways. Mud and rockslides may continue to occur due to continued rain.
Information about flooding and how to prepare can be found at www.lanecounty.org under “Flooding-Emergency Management” link under the current issues tab.
Regular status updates will be made available on the County website under the News & Information section. You can also follow updates on Facebook at Lane County Sheriff and Lane County Government.