Log Jam Hazard Threatens Users of the Green River

If high water flows and extremely cold water haven’t proved deadly enough this year, another hazard is threatening users of the Green River.

This time it is two almost back-to-back log jams, blocking most of the river, about 2½ miles downstream from Flaming Geyser State Park.

The danger with log jams in a fast moving river is that unsuspecting inner-tubers or other users of the river will be swept into and under the log jam. The river current will pull the person under the jam, sometimes moving them to the other side, but more often keeping them stuck under the water. Then the person drowns.

The Sheriff's Office is posting signs along the river warning of the danger ahead. Anyone using the Green River is advised to take-out no later than Metzler Park, an undeveloped park at about 186^th Ave SE off the Green Valley Road.

Users of the Green River, and all western Washington rivers, should use extreme caution. Rivers are running fast, high, and are still very cold. They are exceedingly dangerous this year, and some of the dangers can’t be seen until it is too late, such as these log jams.