High Runoff on The Jordan River

Today the Jordan River Commission released a statement regarding the dangers of surrounding the high water levels of the Jordan River. There is also some facts and tid bits provided. The statement reads:

Jordan River Commission calls for Caution as well as Collaboration on Jordan River

West Valley City, Utah - April 21, 2011 - Today the Jordan River Commission issued information regarding current conditions of the Jordan River during this high runoff season. In addition to exercising extreme caution, the Commission affirmed the need for increased collaboration between municipalities and groups in how to best utilize this natural resource. Furthermore the need for more education about recreating along the Jordan River was highlighted on Wednesday by the near-tragedy of a scout troop and their leader being washed away in the river’s flood stage flows.

The Commission asserts that boating and hiking along the Jordan River can be an enjoyable and appropriate activity but, individuals, families, and scout troops need to be educated and informed before they venture out onto the river. Safe paddling on the Jordan River requires knowledge of potential risks, safe entry and take outs and specific problem areas.

Formed in late 2010, the Jordan River Commission was created as an interlocal cooperation to implement the Jordan River Blueprint. The Blueprint is a regional vision developed through a collaborative process sponsored by Salt Lake County and Envision Utah. The Jordan River Commission is working to highlight the Jordan River as a resource for the community, preserve open spaces, and to manage development and preserve open space, and to promote safe recreation along the river’s approximately 50-mile corridor.

The Commission’s Executive Director, Laura Hanson said that projects that the Commission may undertake in the next year include development of educational materials and signage, completing the Jordan River Parkway trail, and better identification and awareness of river access points and hazards. Longer-term projects may also include removal or redesign of dangerous structures in the river. Hanson said, “We are working on establishing a technical committee of hydrology, recreation, land use planning, and engineering experts to craft a strategic approach to tackle problems like that which on Wednesday. We know of several specific problem areas for boaters, and in high flows like this new problems emerge.”

The Commission is excited to start working with experts and the community to promote safe recreation along the Jordan River. Commission Chair, Councilman Corey Rushton of West Valley City expressed his goal for better coordination and communication among all entities along the river corridor, “We are grateful for the support and enthusiasm of the broader community so far, and we encourage more cities and organizations to participate in the Commission and contribute to this needed implementation effort.”

For those interested in boating in the Jordan River, here are a few key lessons from the Salt Lake County Swiftwater Search and Rescue team:

 Boaters should be aware of any area where water quickly changes elevation. Places where water drops off are called low-head dams. These low-head dams create a current that draws water and debris back towards the dam. The current can easily trap a person, tossing them back and forth like a washing machine.
 Watch for any horizontal line across the river as an indicator of a low-head dam. Exit the river well in advance of the hazard, and portage your boat around the problem area.
 Low-head dams are a safety hazard in any type of flow, but are especially dangerous in the spring runoff.
 The force of water increases as its volume increases. As water volume doubles, the force of the water quadruples. As it triples, the force is nine times stronger.
 As the weather warms and more families venture outdoors for picnics, it is important to remember to keep a safe distance from the water’s edge and to warn children of the risks.
 The spring is the wrong time to be in or anywhere near the river for four reasons:
1. The water is very cold and can cause hypothermia. In addition the shock of such cold temperatures can cause people to black out almost instantaneously.
2. The water is muddy, visibility is low and high run off can drag fence posts, shopping carts and other debris into the water to created hidden hazards called keepers or strainers. People can easily become entrapped by the pressure of the water pushing them up against a strainer.
3. High flows result in very low clearance under bridges prohibiting boats from safely floating under.
4. A river current always moves you to the center of the stream. Even if you intend on floating along the edge of the river, you will be quickly pulled to the center.

The Jordan River flows through a metropolitan center of over one million residents, and is a spectacular resource for the residents of the region. It is home to many types of waterfowl and is a unique recreational experience. The Jordan River Commission facilitates entities Statewide in working together to celebrate and promote safe enjoyment of this resource.