RIVER: Water cold due to snowmelt

Summer safety tips

This year’s storms have also dumped in orchard trees and other debris that may be hiding under the water, acting as a snag and hazard, Siler said.

Zachary Berg, a deputy with the Sutter County Boat Patrol Unit, said even though it can reach 100 degrees outside, the water is still cold because of the snowmelt. Hypothermia can be an issue.

He said because of the drought, people have gotten comfortable with the weak currents.

“This year, we will have high flows all summer long on both rivers,” Berg said. “I’ve grown up here my whole life, and I can tell you that I would not swim in the river unless I had to.”

Gloria Sandoval, deputy director of Public Affairs for the California Department of Parks and Recreation, said the department is focused on spreading the message of safety this summer.

“Our main message this year is that this summer season begins with some of the highest water levels and coldest water seen or felt in many years,” Sandoval said in an email. “Swift and cold water can create treacherous conditions for everyone, including experienced swimmers.”

Frieda Slavin, community engagement coordinator for South Yuba River Citizens League, said SYRCL is very concerned with river safety, and Memorial Day weekend marks the start of SYRCL’s River Ambassador season.

“Throughout the summer, we have river captains (SYRCL staff) and river ambassadors (volunteers) stationed at the three main South Yuba River crossings,” Slavin said in an email. “Our river ambassador program promotes our efforts to keep the river clean, healthy and safe. This year, we are very concerned about water safety and will be reminding people to be safe and not swim.”

Harris said one concern is rafting near the Daguerre Point Dam. Upstream of the sediment dam are turbulent reversal currents that sweep rafters and tubers underneath. Harris said they are nicknamed “drowning machines.”

Before the high water levels, there was a portage upstream where rafters could get out, walk around the dam, then get back into the water. But the erosion has wiped out that portage, Harris said, making that area hazardous.

“It’s a big concern of ours on how that’s going to affect our rafters on the Yuba River,” he said.

Siler said the high water levels also brought out an abundance of people fishing, some of whom don’t understand how the nearby Oroville Dam constantly changes levels.

“We are seeing a lot of boat traffic on the Feather River,” Siler said.

He said “average” boaters, especially those unfamiliar with the area, may come fishing one day on 10 feet of water, and later in the week it will drop to 3 feet. That, coupled with debris and changing currents, poses a number of hazards.

“Be cautious, learn your environment before you get too adventurous, and if you want to get in those waters, put a life jacket on,” Siler said.

Harris said with Memorial Day weekend being the start of boating season, it’s important for people to check their boats before coming to the river. He said to check for dead batteries, bad gas, and make sure it’s stocked with life jackets before holding people up at the dock.

With a holiday weekend, it’s also important to remember boating and driving can also cause residents some trouble.

“We will arrest anyone who is intoxicated and driving boats,” Harris said.

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