Warning Signs Installed Along Hazardous Stretch of Sandy River Following Winter Storm Damage

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. — The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol Unit has issued an updated safety advisory for the Sandy River after dangerous conditions caused by a severe winter storm continue to threaten recreational river users.

Earlier this month, the agency warned the public about multiple hazards between Oxbow Regional Park and Dabney State Recreation Area, including large accumulations of fallen logs and a newly formed sandbar that altered the river’s flow.

On Tuesday, May 19, the Oregon State Marine Board joined the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office to install two large “Danger, Stay Right” warning signs upstream from the hazard zone. Officials said the signs are intended to alert boaters and floaters to shifting currents and a debris field left behind by a December 2025 storm.

During the operation, deputies and partner agencies also recovered a submerged drift boat lodged in the debris. Authorities said the boat will be returned if its owner can be identified. A heavily damaged kayak deemed beyond repair was also removed from the river.

According to the advisory, the Sandy River’s main channel has shifted to the west side of a wooded island south of Camp Angelos. The change has created hazardous “strainers” — partially submerged obstacles that allow water to pass through while trapping objects and people — along with hidden debris, small rapids, and strong currents pulling toward the obstruction area.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is urging all recreational river users to use extreme caution, remain alert to changing river conditions, and avoid relying on outdated satellite imagery or GPS maps when navigating the waterway.

The agency also released photographs taken May 19 showing the affected area and newly installed warning signs.

Officials asked media outlets and the public to refer to the agency by its full name — the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office — to avoid confusion with other Oregon sheriff’s offices that share the “MCSO” abbreviation.