Well, look at this, “water temp Willamette River”, sounds fancy, but it’s just about how cold or hot that river water is. You know, the one we all go fishing in, or some crazy folks swim in. I tell ya, that water ain’t always the same, no siree!
First off, those city folks, they like to poke around in the water every week, from May till September, taking bits of it to see what’s swimming in there, besides fish, I mean. They call it “E. coli” and stuff. Sounds nasty to me. And they check the “water temperature”, that’s just how warm or cold it is, see? They do this on Wednesdays, I think, or maybe it’s Tuesdays, can’t rightly remember. Anyways, they do it.
Now, they say it’s mostly okay to swim in that river, most of the time. Down by the bridges, Hawthorne Bridge and St. John’s Bridge, they keep an eye on things. Makes you wonder what they’re lookin’ for, probably more of that “E. coli” stuff, whatever that is. But the real important thing is how warm that water is, ya know, especially if you’re going for a dip.
Those smarty pants folks, they say when the “water temperature” goes below 65 degrees, you shouldn’t be swimming. Sixty-five, that’s pretty chilly, let me tell ya. My old bones would ache somethin’ fierce in that cold. They got ways to check the temperature now, fancy gadgets I bet, tells you right then and there how cold it is, and how fast it’s moving too. Velocity, they call it, all high-falutin’ words.
- Early in the year, like May and June, it’s tricky. The air feels nice and warm, maybe 80 degrees, but that water, oh honey, that water can be a frigid 50 degrees. You jump in there, and you’ll be jumpin’ right back out, faster than a scalded cat!
- Then comes the good part, late June through August. That’s when the river is just right, like a warm bath, around 68 to 72 degrees. Perfect for a swim, if you’re into that sort of thing. I’d rather just dangle my feet, myself.
- Now, the government folks, they say it’s safe to swim. But I always say, better safe than sorry. And remember, they also tell ya to keep your hot water at home at 120 degrees, so you don’t burn yourself. I guess it’s the same idea, too hot or too cold, neither is good. They check that hot water right away, too, no messing around.
And then there’s the Red Cross people, they know a thing or two about safety. They say the best swimming water is between 78 and 85 degrees. That’s a bit warmer than the river, ain’t it? But I guess it depends on who’s swimmin’. Youngsters, they don’t mind the cold so much. Me? I like it warm, like a cup of tea on a cold day.
So, this “water temp Willamette River”, it’s all about how warm or cold that water is. It changes, you know, just like the weather. Gotta pay attention, or you’ll catch your death of cold, or maybe get eaten by somethin’ in that river, who knows? I always say, use your common sense, that’s what the good Lord gave ya. And if it feels too cold, it probably is. Stay safe out there, folks.
In short, the Willamette River’s temperature is important for safety and comfort. It changes throughout the year, so it’s good to know what the temperature is before you jump in. From what I gather, summertime is usually best, but always check first, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer, or you’re an old lady like me who just likes to dip her toes in.
Tags: Willamette River, Water Temperature, Swimming Safety, River Safety, Portland Oregon, Water Quality, Seasonal Changes, River Conditions, Health Advisory, Recreational Water Use
