The Willamette River’s low-head dam has been the scene of five recent rescues, including a harrowing experience for two sisters who were stuck in turbulent currents. Julia Nemeth and her sister Jeane Carvalho struggled to escape as the underwater dam sucked their floating tubes into a concrete wall.
Despite the high number of rescues, no government agency is taking responsibility for posting warning signs at the dam. The lack of clear signage has raised concerns about public safety. In contrast, a similar low-head dam in the Long Tom River has large red signs warning of danger.
The Army Corps of Engineers installed warnings along that river in 2022 after a couple died kayaking there. However, its authority is limited to congressionally authorized missions, making it unable to post warnings for the Willamette River’s dam. The company that built the dam lost documentation, leading to jurisdictional confusion.
The Eugene Springfield Fire department has been responding to rescues at the dam, with crews launching from two ramps and coordinating with an ambulance. However, the department’s water-rescue team leader, Jesse Donohue, noted that there is no clear estimate of the cost associated with these rescues.
The lack of warning signs is not just a matter of public safety but also affects the city’s emergency response capabilities. The fire department’s resources are strained due to frequent rescues, and the absence of clear signage adds to the complexity of jurisdictional limitations.
Source: https://lookouteugene-springfield.com/story/latest-news/2025/08/19/underwater-dam-sweeps-in-sisters-forcing-fifth-rescue-this-summer