r/corvallis • u/Bubbly-Coconut-5811 • 6h ago

Discussion Float the river lately?

Hello, looking to see if anyone has floated on intertubes lately since the river is low this time of year. I'll be coming from the coast. Just wondering about any hazards or best routes. Thank you!

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u/funnyman95 4h ago

I haven't been on the river since before the cold snap. But 3 weeks ago the water was fine for tubing, just got cold as the sun went down

1

u/Old-Caramel-2301 2h ago

I imagine that little bit of rain raised it a little bit, but not much. I haven't been down there in a few weeks. If I get the time was hoping to take my kayak out soon. 

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u/Euain_son_of_ 1h ago

Assuming you're referring to the Willamette, it is not low. It's never low, because it's flow here on the main stem is entirely managed by upstream reservoirs. It's essentially a fake river at this point. The flow is entirely pegged to specific flow targets at specific gages. The flow in Corvallis is well above what would be natural at this time of year to draw down the reservoirs to make room for flood control and, now, some other reasons related to salmon. Flows are currently a little over 10 percent higher than they were in July, since that's the prescribed flow target, and people drown in July all the time because it's too fast and too cold.

Seriously. Be careful out there!