Deschutes County Emergency Information

2018-12-19T11:06:00.001-08:00

This blog is not currently updated. Please go to http://coemergencyinfo.blogspot.com/ for current emergency information for Central Oregon.

Current Information 12-17-15 / 8:30 AM - Winter Weather

2015-12-17T08:32:00.002-08:00

Heavy wet snow over the past few days combined with expected rain will likely cause some localized flooding in areas where water cannot drain as well as ponding on roadways and low lying areas. Take precautions to protect your property such as clear paths to drainage and move property out of low lying areas.

Use caution on roadways as road conditions will include packed snow, slush and ice.

Current Information 12-15-15 / 1:30 PM - South County Power Outage

2015-12-15T13:30:00.002-08:00

Although Midstate Electric Cooperative has made excellent progress, there are over 400 power users still out of power in Southern Deschutes County and Northern Klamath County. The existing outages are requiring more time consuming repairs. Some users may be out of power into Thursday and Midstate is asking those people who are out of power to report outages to Midstate at 541-536-2165.

The American Red Cross is maintaining a shelter at the Cavalry Chapel, but the shelter is currently in a "soft closure". This means the shelter can be reopened quickly in the event people are in need of a shelter, but is not staffed 24 hours per day. There is a sign on the front door with a phone number to call to request assistance. This number will be answered 24 hours per day.

The Cavalry Chapel is located at 16430 Third St (behind Ray's Food Place).

Current Information 12-15-15 / 8:30 AM - South County Power Outage

2015-12-15T08:36:00.001-08:00

Midstate Electric Coop made progress overnight, but there are several hundred users still out of power.

The La Pine shelter is still open at the Calvary Chapel on 3rd St. We will make a decision around noon regarding the status of the shelter.

Current Information 12-14-15 / 12:00 PM - South County Power Outage

2015-12-14T12:10:00.001-08:00

A winter storm dumped up to 30 inches of snow in Southern Deschutes County and Northern Klamath County and caused widespread power outages throughout the area. Midstate Electric Cooperative has successfully restored power to the majority of customers in the area, but up to 2,500 customers are still without power. Midstate Electric Cooperative has 1,400 miles of power line in a 5,600 square mile service territory, so this outage could be for an extended period of time, possibly up to 2 more nights.

At the request of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, the American Red Cross will be opening a shelter for those residents that are unable to stay in their homes. The shelter will open at 2 PM on 12-14-15 and is located at:

Calvary Chapel La Pine

16430 Third St

La Pine, OR 97739

For up to date information, we ask residents to follow:

Local Media

DCSO website – Emergency Information in Quick Links

DCSO Twitter – @DeschutesSO

Midstate Electric Cooperative Facebook page

La Pine Shelter Manager – 541-639-1179

Please only use 9-1-1 for emergencies. If you need non-emergency assistance from the Sheriff’s Office, please call non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.

Please note the following precautions:

· Stay away from downed power lines. Lines may appear to be off or insulated, but NEVER assume that they are off or safe.

· Put on layers of warm clothing and avoid becoming chilled. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking.

· Only use generators away from your home and NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage, or connect it to your home's electrical system unless properly wired to do so. This can cause fires and pose a threat to lineman working on the system.

· Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.

Current Information 12-08-15 / 10 AM

2015-12-08T09:57:00.001-08:00

With expected heavy rains at high elevations, we are monitoring local streams. Streams such as Tumalo Creek and Whychus Creek are susceptible to minor flooding and can rise very quickly. There is a self-serve sandbag station at the Sisters School District Office (525 East Cascade).

Current Information 06/07/15

2015-06-07T14:18:00.001-07:00

Currently there are no incidents to report on.

Natural Gas Leak in Bend 05-26-15 / 10:20 am

2015-05-26T10:19:00.001-07:00

Gas Leak has been stopped. The odor of gas will continue to dissipate. The area is deemed safe by Cascade Natural Gas and Bend Fire Department.

Natural Gas Leak in Bend 05-26-15/0900

2015-05-26T09:11:00.001-07:00

Crews hit a 6-inch gas line at the Colorado Avenue dam project early this morning. Gas smells are prevalent in the area, especially NE of the dam.

Winds are from SW headed NE, carrying smells that direction. Natural gas is lighter than air.

No evacuations are necessary but you are advised to keep windows closed.
It will be about two hours before crews are able to resolve the gas leak. Bend Fire and Police are on the scene and are working with Cascade Natural Gas to shut off the leak.

People should avoid the area around Colorado Avenue, Simpson Avenue, Industrial Way and the Old Mill District because of road closures and congestion.

Current Information - 05/03/15

2015-05-03T14:59:00.001-07:00

There are currently no incidents to report on. As we are approaching fire season, we encourage residents to make your home "firewise" and always have a kit, have a plan, and stay informed.

Current Information 01/06/15 3 PM

2015-01-06T14:48:00.002-08:00

There are currently no incidents to report on. Deschutes County is experiencing winter conditions and the public should be prepared for varied weather conditions and quickly changing conditions.

Current Information. 01/03/15 12 PM - Deschutes River Ice

2015-01-03T12:12:00.001-08:00

The level of the Deschutes River between Colorado Avenue and Galveston Avenue dropped significantly. Officials will be monitoring the ice break up and watching for hazards downstream.

We encourage our citizens to stay away from the ice as it is highly unstable and dangerous.

Unless conditions worsen, updates may become less frequent.

Current Information 01/02/15 9 PM - Deschutes River Ice

2015-01-02T21:02:00.000-08:00

The Deschutes River level between Colorado Ave and Galveston Ave in Bend appeared to peak yesterday and has dropped slightly over the past day. Officials from multiple agencies are continuing to monitor the river. The ice is expected to break up over the next few days with warmer temperatures.

Residents and property owners are encouraged to be flood ready. For more information:

FEMA Flood Website

Current Information 01/02/15 8 AM- Deschutes River Ice

2015-01-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

It appears the level of the Deschutes River between Colorado Ave and Galveston Ave have stabilized and remained constant since about 1 PM yesterday. The situation is still being monitored by officials from multiple agencies.

Weather forecasts indicate a warming trend and chance of precipitation in the coming days. We will be watching the river as the ice is expected to break-up and monitoring for trouble throughout the stretch of river.

We would like to remind you to be very careful around ice and that is extremely hazardous. Residents living along the river should always be prepared for minor flooding events.

Current Information 01/01/15 - Deschutes River Ice Formation and Flooding

2015-01-01T14:24:00.001-08:00

The level of the Deschutes River rose approximately 8-10 inches in the last 24 hours due to ice build-up. As of Thursday at 2 p.m., the Galveston Avenue bridge is safe.

City of Bend with the assistance of Deschutes County is onsite monitoring the situation and preparing for possible changes.

It's important that people and pets stay off the ice.

More sandbags will be available on Riverfront later today.

Current Information 12/31/14 - Ice Formation on Deschutes River in Bend

2014-12-31T14:51:00.001-08:00

Ice formation has caused the Deschutes River to rise between the Colorado Avenue Bridge and the Galveston Avenue Bridge. Water is cresting into yards of a small number homes on Riverfront Street. The ice on the river is extremely dangerous. It’s important to keep you and your pets away.

Officials from the City of Bend, Deschutes County, the Oregon Water Resources Department and Pacific Power are monitoring river levels. Flows through the city are decreasing and that trend is expected to continue over the next several days.

As a precaution, the city and county are providing sandbags to affected residents. Filled sandbags can be picked up along Riverfront Street.

The city will continue to monitor river levels and contact affected residents as soon as possible. For more information, call the Deschutes County Emergency Hotline at 541-550-4886. This number provides citizens and media with public information as it pertains to emergency incidents in or affecting Deschutes County.

Current Information 12/30/14

2014-12-30T14:27:00.000-08:00

There are currently no incidents to report on. Deschutes County is experiencing winter conditions and the public should be prepared for varied weather conditions and quickly changing conditions.

Current Information 12/23/14

2014-12-23T12:49:00.002-08:00

Most streamflows have returned closer to normal and are not threatening any property. Residents should be aware of potential for streamflows to vary due to weather and water conditions and take precautions to minimize damage during times of high water.

Current Information 12/22/14 8:00 AM Flood Watch

2014-12-22T08:05:00.000-08:00

The flood watch for Central Oregon expired this morning.

Stream flows in Whychus Creek dropped consistently through the night.

Both Whychus Creek and Tumalo Creek are running high. The public should be cautious around these streams as there are significant dangers to swift water especially since high water can modify stream and bank conditions.

All residents along waterways should be mindful of weather and stream conditions including preparing their property for high water conditions.

Current Information 12/21/14 8:00 PM Flood Watch

2014-12-21T20:05:00.000-08:00

The National Weather Service has revised the Flood Watch for the east slopes of the Cascades, which is in effect until 4 AM on Monday 12/22/14.

Although several streams are still high, water levels are leveling off or receding. Whychus Creek, Tumalo Creek, and the Deschutes River downstream from the confluence with Tumalo Creek (including the community of Tumalo) are still running above normal.

Weather conditions are beginning to be more favorable, but conditions could change and residents along these streams should be alert for rising water and be ready to take protective actions.

For more information regarding weather conditions and hazardous weather advisories see:

Pendleton Weather

Current Information 12/21/14 11:30 AM

2014-12-21T11:34:00.001-08:00

Pictures of Whychus Creek in Sisters.

Current Information 12/21/14 11:00 AM

2014-12-21T11:03:00.001-08:00

Whychus Creek in Sisters is running high due to heavy rain and warm temperatures. Residents living along the creek should be prepared for minor flooding. The City of Sisters and Deschutes County have made sand and sandbags available at Sisters City Hall.

Current Information 12/19/14 - Wind Advisory and Flood Watch

2014-12-19T17:25:00.001-08:00

Potential for heavy rainfall throughout the region could cause streams to rise.

High winds are expected through the weekend, which could make driving difficult, cause minor property damage, and disrupt power.

See link below to weather advisories:

National Weather Service

Current Information 12/11/14 - High Wind Warning

2014-12-11T09:55:00.000-08:00

A HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PST THIS
EVENING.

* TIMING: WINDS WILL INCREASE THIS MORNING AND PEAK THIS
  AFTERNOON BEFORE SUBSIDING THIS EVENING.

* WINDS: SOUTH WINDS 25 TO 40 MPH GUSTING TO 60 MPH.

* IMPACTS: SUDDEN GUSTS WILL MAKE TRAVELING DIFFICULT...
  ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. LOOSE OBJECTS...
  INCLUDING HOLIDAY DECORATIONS...MAY SUDDENLY BECOME
  AIRBORNE.

For more information, go to:  Pendleton Weather

Residents should prepare themselves for power outages due to wind.

Current Information 12/03/14

2014-12-03T12:32:00.002-08:00

There are currently no incidents to report on. Deschutes County is experiencing winter conditions and the public should be prepared for varied weather conditions and quickly changing conditions.