The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol Unit is issuing a safety advisory for community members utilizing the Sandy River between Oxbow Regional Park and Dabney State Recreation Area.
Following a powerful storm cycle in December 2025, the river’s path has naturally shifted, creating new and potentially significant hazards for recreational users.
Rivers are dynamic, meaning their paths are subject to change during high-flow events. South of Camp Angelos, the Sandy River previously flowed north with the primary channel located east of a prominent wooded island. Following the December 2025 storms, the primary current now flows to the west side of that same island.
This is a critical point of education for the public: current satellite imagery and GPS mapping have not yet been updated to reflect this new topography.
The change in the river’s course has introduced "strainers" – fallen and submerged trees – directly into the new primary channel. The current now pulls watercrafts and swimmers toward these obstructions.
Due to the combination of water depth, submerged rocks, and these new tree hazards, this section now contains small rapids -- making navigation difficult or unexpected.
Users may find themselves unable to bypass debris, potentially forcing them to abandon their crafts. Recent patrols have documented several abandoned inner tubes caught in the newly formed debris fields.
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol Unit has posted warning signs at both Oxbow Regional Park and Dabney State Recreation Area.
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol Unit encourages everyone to be prepared for unexpected river conditions. Before launching at Oxbow Regional Park, ensure you are equipped with the following:
- Life jackets - A properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket should be worn at all times while on the water.
- Communication Tools – Keep a loud, waterproof sound-signaling device (such as a whistle) attached to your person or life jacket.
- Lights – If you anticipate being on the water near dawn, dusk or night, carry waterproof lights.
- Situational Awareness – Do not rely on outdated digital maps. Maintain a constant visual watch for unmarked hazards and be prepared.
When reporting on this advisory, please credit the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in full. Because there are multiple "MCSO" agencies within the state of Oregon (including Marion, Morrow, and Malheur counties), using the full agency name ensures public clarity and geographical accuracy.
Source: Multnomah County Sheriff's Office