Willamette River at Salem
Marion County, Oregon
The past week
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What floods at each level
- 37 ft
Keizer begins to flood. Also expect major widespread flooding from Santiam confluence to Oregon City.
- 35 ft
numerous roads and structures are flooded. The Willamette River also backs up water from tributary streams and creeks, which in turn produces flooding of residential neighborhoods along these creeks in Salem and Keizer.
- 32 ft
expect widespread flooding. Numerous roads and structures in the Salem/Keizer vicinity are flooded. The Willow Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant is likely flooded at this level.
- 30 ft
expect widespread flooding of lowland agricultural areas and rural and secondary roads. Also expect flooding along some creeks which drain into the Willamette in and near Salem due to backwater from the Willamette. The Willow Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant is threatened with flood water above this level.
- 28 ft
widespread lowland flooding begins along the banks of the Willamette and islands on the mid Willamette, such as Browns, Minto, and Windsor islands. Numerous secondary roads begin flooding at this point.
- 26 ft
expect flooding of numerous roads along the Willamette in the Salem area. Homes on Browns Island begin flooding at this level.
- 23 ft
minor flooding occurs on Grand Island and other islands in the mid Willamette River. Access roads to these islands are also likely flooded at this point.
- 20 ft
access roads to the islands on the Willamette River near Salem begin to flood.
- 18 ft
numerous sloughs are filled, and a few secondary roads begin to flood at this point.
- 15 ft
the Wheatland and Buena Vista ferries will likely cease operation due to safety concerns.
Highest crests on record
| Date | Level | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 3, 1861 | 47 ft | 500,000 cfs |
| Dec 3, 1891 | 47 ft | — |
| Feb 4, 1890 | 45.1 ft | 448,000 cfs |
More on Willamette River
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