Boise, Idaho, May 10, 2019 -- Emergency managers and river outfitters want to warn river users that high water flows have caused a log jam spanning halfway across the South Fork Payette River on the left side of Dog Leg rapid downstream of mile marker 4 on the Banks Lowman road.
Rubber rafts, kayaks and pontoon boats are a concern because the course of the river and its strong current could pull them directly into the log jam. Emergency responders highly recommend avoiding this section of the river because of the imminent danger associated with this hazard and the potential life-threatening risk to boaters and emergency personnel.
“Inexperienced boaters should not attempt this run and if going, river users should be prepared coming out of the Bronco Billy IV rapid. There is no flat water before the entrance of the Dog Leg rapid and the current is flowing into the log jam," said Jon Delvalle, Garden Valley Fire Chief. “If you’re not prepared you could put yourself and others in a very dangerous situation."
Efforts are underway to determine the best course of action to minimize the threat to recreationists and emergency responders.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
