OREGON CITY, Ore. — During a ride with Clackamas Fire District 1 water rescue crews on Tuesday, a KGW News crew experienced the power of the rising waters on the Clackamas, Willamette and other rivers.
Those rivers are running high and carrying a lot of debris. KGW meteorologist Rod Hill said the Clackamas River is expected to experience some minor flooding near Estacada on Monday afternoon, but it should recede by evening.
The water rescue crews, who were scheduled for routine training Monday, showed KGW the power of the water flow on the abnormally swollen rivers. Officials warn that while some experienced and well-prepared boaters might be OK on the rising waters, most should avoid being in or around the rivers.
Mike Gasperson, a firefighter and paramedic with the water rescue team, said warm temperatures, rain, and snowmelt can make the waters rise quickly.
"Definitely keep an eye on the water, because it came come up quick," Gasperson said. "There are some low-lying areas, especially in our fire district, and other fire districts, that people do need to mindful of that."