MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (KATU) — Campers at Oxbow Regional Park were evacuated as the water level along the Sandy River surged Tuesday, swelling from heavy rain as an atmospheric river took aim at the Pacific Northwest.
One of those forced from the campground on Tuesday was Christine Blackwelder. She tells KATU that a park ranger let her know it was time to leave.
“I was woken up by a ranger at about 9 o’clock this morning saying ‘hey, the river is crossing the road. We need to evacuate you,'” said Blackwelder.
She had booked the campsite for several days to take a break and enjoy nature. She tells us she knew the weather was going to get rainy, so she brought a spare tent, plenty of blankets, and enough food for a full week just in case.
“When I first got there Wednesday afternoon, the water was beautiful, it was blue, kind of a glacier melt kind of situation,” said Blackwelder. “Then once yesterday hit, the water got really brown with like white caps and stuff. I could hear the water from my tent, which was pretty cool, but it got much much louder. And when I went to check out the boat ramp and look over the cliffs towards it, I was like ‘oh wow, like this is getting pretty powerful’ and it was just roaring all night.”
Christine said her campsite was high enough not to be impacted by the water, but with water covering the road to get out, she wouldn’t be able to leave later.
“I was actually excited. I wasn’t scared, I was just prepared for the rain and just having a peaceful couple days,” said Blackwelder. “I knew that it could come—sketchy, but I was in a safe location where that place would not flood but the river flooded which was closer to the entrance.”
Blackwelder tells KATU News that she’s from Alaska and used to camping in similar weather. Even though she did her research and was prepared, she said it is best to listen to the rangers and act in the interest of safety.
Before heading out to camp, make sure to check weather advisories.
You should also check with park rangers if you are unsure of camping safety conditions.
The storm filled local waterways, with many reaching flood stage. The rivers and streams are expected to continue to rise through Thursday.
