The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol Unit announced on May 20 that it has provided an update to its ongoing Sandy River safety advisory. The update follows a series of actions taken by the agency and its partners to address new hazards created by a severe winter storm.
The advisory is important for river users as recent changes have increased risks along the stretch between Oxbow Regional Park and Dabney State Recreation Area. The Sheriff’s Office said earlier this month that numerous hazards, including fallen logs and a newly formed large sandbar, have been reported in this area after the December 2025 storm.
On May 19, law enforcement agencies including the Oregon State Marine Board, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office joined Multnomah County deputies to install two large “Danger, Stay Right” signs upstream of the hazard zone. These signs are intended to warn river users about shifted currents and debris fields caused by last winter’s storm.
In addition to installing warning signs, deputies recovered a submerged drift boat lodged in debris; they plan to return it if they can identify its owner. An unusable kayak was also retrieved from the river during these operations.
Officials continue urging recreational users to exercise heightened caution when using this section of the Sandy River. According to their original warning, the primary channel now runs along the west side of a wooded island south of Camp Angelos where newly formed strainers and submerged hazards create dangerous conditions such as small rapids and strong pull toward debris. Users are advised to remain vigilant, wear lifejackets at all times, avoid relying on outdated satellite imagery or GPS mapping for navigation, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
To help illustrate these changes and alert residents further, photographs showing affected areas and new signage were released by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.