High Water Brings Added Danger to Jordan River

High Water Brings Added Danger to Jordan River


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Alex Cabrero Reporting With all the spring run-off, the water is running high and fast through Utah's rivers.

Jeff Salt: "People are going to be tempted to come out and ride the high water."

And that could be dangerous on one river in the Salt Lake Valley.

The Jordan River is running a lot higher now than in years past. And that has boating experts concerned. The water is so high that a boat launch is underwater, forcing boaters to launch somewhere else.

But once they're in the water, that's when they have to be extra careful.

It's been a long time since the Jordan River was this high. You can't even see this bike trail, something Jeff Salt is worried about.

Jeff Salt Great Salt Lakekeeper: "They need to know there are hazards lurking in the Jordan River, that they may not be aware of."

But more than bikes, Salt is worried about boaters. He's with the Great Salt Lakekeepers, a group dedicated to making the Jordan River safer.

One danger spot is just off 126th South in Draper.

Jeff Salt: "We have bridges that have too low of a clearance, and under high waters like we have right now on the Jordan River, this particular bridge crossing is unsafe."

Boaters would have to duck down to avoid getting hit on their head.

Another bad spot is near 46th South and 5th East. High water here is creating a huge drop-off.

Jeff Salt: "Nobody knows this exists because there are no warning signs warning everybody of the hazard."

But this spot along the Jordan River just might be the most dangerous spot. Its reputation is so bad, the local fire department calls it the drowning machine.

Jeff Salt: "As you get sucked under the bridge, it's too late. And then when you hit this, you're not going to get out."

It's located in Murray near 64th South and 13th West, a spot you'd want to avoid if you're on the river.

Jeff Salt: "There's really no hope of surviving this."

Runoff from Utah Lake into the Jordan River is creating all this high water. And because this weekend is supposed to be nice, lots of people are expected to get on this river and have fun. Just know, there are some dangers there.

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