The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Monday, December 30, 2024
Oregon Beach Weather
We could be in for a New Year’s aurora treat with northern lights potentially visible deep into mid-latitudes tonight and tomorrow (Dec. 30 to Dec. 31).
Due to an incoming solar storm, also known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center issued a G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm warning for Dec. 31.
This is great news for those wishing to see the northern lights as the predicted geomagnetic storm could spark auroras as far south as Illinois and Oregon (around 50° latitude). (SOURCE)
Rain and Flooding
Prolonged storm systems brought heavy rain and potential flooding to Eugene and surrounding areas this weekend. Local rivers could reach minor flood stages by Sunday, increasing risks for nearby communities.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the Willamette Valley saw 2 to 4 inches of rainfall through Sunday morning, with heavier precipitation in the Coast Range and Cascades. These conditions could lead to localized flooding in low-lying areas and regions with poor drainage. The NWS has urged residents to stay alert, especially near flood-prone rivers and streams.
Roads, particularly in low-lying areas, may become hazardous. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid driving through standing water. Areas burned by recent wildfires may also face heightened risks of landslides and debris flows.
The forecast calls for persistent rain on Sunday, followed by a break today with showers likely all the way into next Monday. Daytime highs will remain in the mid-40s, while overnight lows will dip into the 30s, creating chilly, wet conditions. By New Year’s Day, rainfall is expected to ease slightly, though cloudy skies will persist.
Residents are advised to monitor local weather updates and river forecasts closely. Emergency kits, sandbags, and evacuation plans should be prepared in case conditions worsen.
For updates on weather conditions and alerts https://www.weather.gov/pqr/
•••Flooding Season•••It is that time of year again, the winter lake is back and the rivers are swollen. We here at the Coos County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the motoring public to not drive through flooded areas or standing water over the roadway. Even though it may look as if one could drive through the water, moving water has tremendous force and can push a vehicle into deeper water. For your own safety, take the scenic drive around the flooded areas!
Snow in the mountain passes! If you are traveling, check http://tripcheck.com
Travelers planning to navigate the Oregon coast will need to adjust their routes as Highway 131 has been closed for emergency repair work.
The closure, which affects the stretch between Oceanside and Netarts, comes after severe erosion has compromised the integrity of the road.
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORDOT/bulletins/3c857a0
The emergency repairs were initiated last Friday morning, with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) signaling that the road will be inaccessible until at least the first week of January 2025.
ODOT disclosed in a notification hat the specific area of concern is at milepost 1.6 where erosion has taken a significant toll. The closure is expected to remain until ODOT can safely open a single lane to flag traffic through, projected to take place the week of January 6, 2025.
Until then, should motorists need to detour to quickly reach their destinations, ODOT suggests utilizing the Cape Mears Loop Road as an alternate route.
The comprehensive repairs are projected to last up to 60 days, with the initial phase culminating in the reopening of a single traffic lane. Meanwhile, signals are expected to regulate the flow of vehicles through the area.
Those heading toward Netarts will have to follow Highway 131, as per ODOT’s instructions, while voyagers to Oceanside are advised to adhere to the signed detour via Cape Mears Loop Road. For further information regarding the repair work and updates on the road’s status, travelers should monitor ODOT’s communications and plan accordingly during this period of reconstruction. http://tripcheck.com
Winter Whale Watch Week on Oregon Coast December 27-31
— Oregon State Parks will host Winter Whale Watch Week on the Oregon Coast Friday, Dec. 27 through Tuesday, Dec. 31.
Trained Oregon State Park volunteers will be stationed at 15 sites along the Oregon Coast from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help visitors spot gray whales on their southward migration to the calving lagoons in Mexico.
The sites are some of the best places to watch for whales on the Oregon Coast. A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online at the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching
“Now is a perfect time to see the whales as their population rebounds on the Oregon Coast,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced an end to an Unusual Mortality Event impacting gray whales. Since then, the estimated population has increased by roughly 30% from 14,530 last year to 19,260 this year, according to NOAA. The numbers are on the rise overall, but the calf count is still low as the population continues to rebound.
“While there are more gray whales to see now on the Oregon Coast, the calves remain a rare and important sight,” said Michael Milstein, public affairs officer with NOAA Fisheries.
Winter Whale Watch Week provides an opportunity to see not only the gray whales but other coastal wildlife including birds and other marine mammals with help from trained volunteers and rangers.
The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 27-31. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.
All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and always keeping an eye on the surf. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.
For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit oregonstateparks.org.
Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Winter Whale Watch Week on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch24.
Sandbagging Stations in Lincoln County
Lincoln County residents have access to three self-serve, public sandbagging stations located in Yachats, Newport, and Lincoln City.
If you plan on using the self-serve sandbagging station, remember to bring a shovel. Hours: Mid-October through mid-April. You can access sand any time of day or night. Community members may gather up to 10 sandbags per household, per season. Full news releases, flyers, and social posts in English and Spanish are attached.
Two Oregon Men Die in Forest After Going Missing While Looking for Sasquatch
Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue
**NEVER GIVING UP: A CHRISTMAS SEARCH FOR TWO LIVES LOST IN THE MOUNTAINS**
On Christmas Day, while many enjoyed warmth and celebration with loved ones, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue answered an urgent call: two hikers were missing in the snow-covered mountains. Without hesitation, volunteers left their holiday gatherings, packed their gear, and stepped into the wilderness for what would become one of the most grueling missions of the season.
For three relentless days, over 60 dedicated SAR volunteers and first responders from Washington and Oregon braved brutal conditions. Torrential rain, deep snow, and freezing temperatures turned the mountains into a treacherous maze of swollen creeks, standing water, and steep slopes coated with snow, mud, and thick, tangled vegetation. Yet, the rescuers pushed forward. Hasty teams, swift water specialists, K9 units, and drone operators worked tirelessly—building makeshift bridges from materials on-site, clearing paths through thick forest, and searching every inch of the rugged terrain.
At mission’s SAR Base, technology became a lifeline. Teams used Starlink satellite internet to stay connected, 25-foot mast antennas to improve two-way radio communications, and SARTOPO tracking software to monitor every team in the field in real time. These tools allowed rescuers to coordinate seamlessly, especially in the mountains where no cell service exists. On day two, a Coast Guard helicopter entered the mission, using a brief weather window to conduct strategic grid flights. Its ability to cover vast, hard-to-reach areas added an essential advantage to the search, supporting ground teams working tirelessly below.
By nightfall on day three, both hikers were located deep in the wilderness. Reaching them and bringing them out to help give family members closure required extraordinary physical strength, ingenuity, and perseverance from every rescuer involved. Creeks had to be crossed, obstacles climbed, and frozen ground navigated, all while maintaining the safety and well-being of the entire team.
The Strength of TeamworkThis mission was a true testament to the power of collaboration. It was only possible through the incredible efforts of Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SCSOSAR) Hasty Team, K-9 team, Swift Water Team, and Drone Team and our dedicated partners:• Klickitat County Search and Rescue members and their K-9 team, Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue, Inc. members and their Drone Team, Silver Star Search and Rescue members, Hood River County Sheriff’s Office Crag Rats SAR, Wasco County Search and Rescue • United States Coast Guard Helicopter Crew from Astoria, Oregon• Skamania County Sheriff’s Office and Sergeant Taylor as Incident Commander.
These teams came together, sacrificing their time, energy, and holidays to ensure every possible effort was made to bring the hikers home.Every member of the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team extends our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the loved ones lost in this tragic incident.
Oregonians Need To Watch Out For ‘Smishing’ Packages
Many folks are still expecting holiday packages this week, and the United States Postal Service is warning customers not to fall for what are known as smishing scams.
Smishing, said John Hyatt – a strategic communication specialist with the USPS – is the practice of sending fake text messages to smart phones, asking users to click on a link to resolve a zip code or other issue with a pending package.
He warned that personal data is what the sender is after.
“Basically, criminals trying to obtain personally identifying information about a person,” said Hyatt, “such as accounts, user names, passwords, dates of birth, credit card numbers – things like that.”
In 2020, the Internet Crime Complaint Center reported over 240,000 victims of smishing, phishing, and other fraudulent schemes – costing over $54 million, with the average person losing about $800.
Smishing texts can be relentless this time of year, but Hyatt said you should never follow the message prompts.
“When you get a suspicious text message,” said Hyatt, “if you click on those links, it will take you to a website that could be downloading onto your phone – and once you submit that information then they use it for nefarious purposes.”
Hyatt said you will only receive text messages from the USPS if you have gone online and registered for such services.
“You can sign up to receive text messages about a tracking number,” said Hyatt, “or you can go into the tracking service and put the number in and then ask for text message updates, or even an email update on usps.com.”
He said the USPS informed delivery program is being used by millions of Americans to receive legitimate messages about what packages are on the way. Go to the USPS.com website for more information.
Guided First Day Hikes at 30 Oregon State Parks on New Year’s Day
— Whether you prefer a sunset hike along the coast or a paved wooded trail inside city limits, First Day Hikes has a hike for you on New Year’s Day, Wednesday Jan. 1.
Rangers and volunteers will lead 37 guided First Day Hikes at 30 parks around the state with distances ranging from a quarter-mile stroll to a 5-mile trek. Hikes are free, and the $5 day-use parking fee is waived on that day at the state parks that charge for parking.
America’s State Parks sponsors the First Day Hikes program nationwide to encourage everyone to start the year outside and connect with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has participated since 2012.
“First Day Hikes has become a fun tradition for both visitors and staff on New Year’s Day. Rangers and volunteers get a chance to share park history, geology, wildlife and plants, and visitors get to experience an adventure with friends and family to start the new year,” said Lisa Sumption, director of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
Visit the Oregon First Day Hikes web page to see the list of parks hosting hikes. Additional hike information such as hike times, meet-up locations and trail terrain are available via the park links on the web page. A few hikes require registration including Champoeg, Detroit Lake, Emigrant Springs and Smith Rock.
If you have questions about accessibility or to request reasonable accommodations needed for you to participate in a hike, see contact information for each of the hikes.
Remember to plan for winter weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and carry binoculars for viewing wildlife.
Share photos of First Day Hikes on Instagram by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikesor tagging “Oregon State Parks” on Facebook.
About America’s State Parks
America’s State Parks is an alliance of state park systems in all 50 states. The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) promotes and advocates for the state park systems across America in providing conservation and management of natural and cultural resources, quality outdoor recreation experiences, and connecting children and families to nature and the outdoors. With collectively more than 9,817 park areas covering over 20 million acres of land, and visitation of nearly 9 million people annually, state park systems across the country are an integral part of protecting natural and cultural resources while providing guests amazing access to the outdoors. Learn more about America’s State Parks at stateparks.org.
NEW YEAR, NEW LAWS: Changes to Make Oregon Safer, Cleaner, and More Affordable in 2025
SALEM, OR – On January 1, 2025, new laws will go into effect to make Oregon safer, cleaner, and more affordable. These changes will directly impact the day-to-day lives of Oregonians, covering everything from stopping drug use on public transportation and lowering the cost of prescription drugs to making it cheaper to repair electronic devices and increasing transparency in public education. “Oregonians aren’t satisfied with the status quo, and neither are we. These changes in the new year mark just one phase in our mission to improve quality of life in Oregon.
Information about the key laws going into effect from the 2024 Legislative Session on January 1, 2025 can be found here: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/senatedemocrats/Documents/2024-Session-Accomplishments.pdf
The start of each new year is a time to reflect on the past year and make plans for the future. It holds a special magic, with a promise of new opportunities and the possibility to change our lives for the better.
We want everyone to ring in the New Year safely and your local law enforcement departments want you to have a happy weekend too. The goal is zero deaths due to impaired driving over the New Year’s holiday weekend.
Don’t Drink & Drive this New Year’s Eve —– If you are drinking, don’t drive. If you’re driving, don’t drink. A simple rule for life can save a lot of lives. Please don’t drink and drive.
Local agencies and OSP will have extra troopers focused on impaired driving throughout the state on New Year’s Eve. If you plan to consume impairing substances, always make plans for a sober ride home such as taxis or ride share apps or designating a completely sober driver.
OSP station commanders in Oregon have shared that impaired driving has become a prolific problem in the region. They are asking for the public’s help in reducing impaired driving to keep Oregonians safe while traveling this holiday weekend.
NEW YEAR’S SAFETY
Among all the fun and noise of a New Year’s celebration, it’s important to ensure festivities are safe. If alcohol is involved, there should be people in attendance who are designated to stay sober and ensure safety. While laws can help prevent mishaps, people making the right choices and being respectful of each other will help keep people safe while still having fun. The responsibility and much of the liability of a safe party remains with the host. If you are hosting a party, there are safety measures you can implement to keep people safe and reduce liability during New Year celebrations.
Party Safety Tips:
- Use common sense. This includes not driving after drinking or using substances.
- Designate a non-drinking driver before the party.
- Utilize public transportation where available.
- Consider spending the night at the party location.
- If you are hosting a party, ensure that nonalcoholic drinks are also served.
- Communicate with neighbors before the party. Work together to respectfully address noise levels and other potential disturbances.
- Have the courage to refuse serving a friend a drink if they are acting strange or are intoxicated.
- Do not pressure friends to drink if they say no, have a drinking problem, or are already intoxicated.
- Consider the safety and welfare of pets. Loud music, people, and fireworks can result in distress.
- Ensure that pets have ID tags with current information on them and that they are safely secured before the party. Ensure pet licenses and microchips are updated so they can be easily reunited with you.
- Candles, fireworks, kids, and pets don’t mix. Keep them away from each other.
Have a Safe and Happy New Year’s
We’ll be back in the office on Thursday, January 2, 2025
https://www.oregon.gov/osp/missing/pages/missingpersons.aspx
Oregon’s Missing Persons
Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.
In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either.
Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced
Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com