Salem-News.com Santiam articles

North Santiam River Levels Will Rise Tuesday

This operation is expected to be completed by the end of the day.

(SANTIAM, Ore.) - The US Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) will be executing a drawdown of Big Cliff Reservoir upon completion of emergency repairs tomorrow morning.

This is part of an on-going repair process which has caused changes in flow rates and river temperatures this year for the North Santiam River.

Two Burglaries Under Investigation in Santiam Canyon

Investigators aren't sure if the burglaries are connected.

(SANTIAM CANYON, Ore.) - Marion County Sheriff's Office responded to the report of a Burglary that had just occurred at the Sierra Restaurant and Market in Gates Wednesday around 4:00 a.m.

Lt. Sheila Lorance with the Marion County Sheriff's Office says the owner had been notified by his Security Company that an alarm had been activated at the Restaurant/Market and he called 9-1-1.

Marion County Deputies and Posse Locates Stranded Kayaker

The Marion County Sheriff's Office reminds people to carry cell phones in a waterproof container in case they are separated from their water craft.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Rescue teams from the Marion County Sheriff's Office responded around 7:00 PM on New Year's day, to the report of a missing 65-year old man, Chris Watson of Portland, who was kayaking with friends on the North Santiam River when he was caught in the current and separated from his kayak.

Lt. Sheila Lorance with the Sheriff's Office says Mr. Watson made it to the bank of the river and said he would walk out and meet his friends at the road where they left him.

"However, when they arrived he wasn't there and they called the Sheriff's Office. Deputies were unable to locate Watson and had to suspend the search until daylight."

Snowslide Covers Oregon`s Santiam Pass

Eight commercial vehicles and one sport utility vehicle were trapped in the area until it was cleared by ODOT crews.

(SANTIAM JUNCTION, Ore.) - Oregon State Police troopers again assisted Oregon Department of Transportation crews Wednesday with the Highway 20 closure at Santiam Pass caused by a large snowslide.

According to Oregon State Police Senior Trooper Mike Brady, a westbound sport utility vehicle became stuck at about 10:00 PM last night, causing two commercial trucks behind it also having to stop and became stuck.

U.S. Highway 20 Opens Through Santiam Junction

Crews clear the road after four snow slides in less than 18 hours.

(SANTIAM JUNCTION, Ore.) - The Oregon Department of Transportation reopened U.S. 20 just before noon on Wednesday following four snow slides in less than 18 hours at mile posts 78.5 - 80.

The latest series of slides occurred Tuesday, January 8th just after 10:00 PM and just before midnight, says Joseph Harwood with the Department of Transportation. "The second slide covered the highway in an estimated 12 - 15 feet of snow. Although several vehicles were stuck in the snow, there were no reported injuries."

Overnight Snowslides Close Highway 20 Again

Crews hoped to have a single lane of traffic open by 9:00 AM.

(SANTIAM JUNCTION, Ore. ) - Two additional snow slides late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning have covered part of U.S. 20 near the Santiam Junction. The Oregon Department of Transportation says this is the third time they have closed U.S. Highway 20 in 24 hours as snow continues to slide onto the highway between mile posts 78.5-80. Current estimates put the snow at 12-15 feet deep across the highway as snow continues to slide.

Oregon 126 at McKenzie Bridge will also be closed as a result of the slides on U.S. 20. No injuries have been reported. Drivers will be notified of the closure at Detroit, Sweet Home, McKenzie Bridge and Sisters.