Current Information 12-17-15 / 8:30 AM - Winter Weather

Heavy wet snow over the past few days combined with expected rain will likely cause some localized flooding in areas where water cannot drain as well as ponding on roadways and low lying areas.  Take precautions to protect your property such as clear paths to drainage and move property out of low lying areas.

Use caution on roadways as road conditions will include packed snow, slush and ice.

Current Information 12-15-15 / 1:30 PM - South County Power Outage

Although Midstate Electric Cooperative has made excellent progress, there are over 400 power users still out of power in Southern Deschutes County and Northern Klamath County.  The existing outages are requiring more time consuming repairs.  Some users may be out of power into Thursday and Midstate is asking those people who are out of power to report outages to Midstate at 541-536-2165.

The American Red Cross is maintaining a shelter at the Cavalry Chapel, but the shelter is currently in a "soft closure".  This means the shelter can be reopened quickly in the event people are in need of a shelter, but is not staffed 24 hours per day.  There is a sign on the front door with a phone number to call to request assistance.  This number will be answered 24 hours per day.

The Cavalry Chapel is located at 16430 Third St (behind Ray's Food Place).

Current Information 12-15-15 / 8:30 AM - South County Power Outage

Midstate Electric Coop made progress overnight, but there are several hundred users still out of power.

The La Pine shelter is still open at the Calvary Chapel on 3rd St.  We will make a decision around noon regarding the status of the shelter.

Current Information 12-14-15 / 12:00 PM - South County Power Outage

A winter storm dumped up to 30 inches of snow in Southern Deschutes County and Northern Klamath County and caused widespread power outages throughout the area.  Midstate Electric Cooperative has successfully restored power to the majority of customers in the area, but up to 2,500 customers are still without power. Midstate Electric Cooperative has 1,400 miles of power line in a 5,600 square mile service territory, so this outage could be for an extended period of time, possibly up to 2 more nights. 

At the request of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, the American Red Cross will be opening a shelter for those residents that are unable to stay in their homes.  The shelter will open at 2 PM on 12-14-15 and is located at:

Calvary Chapel La Pine

16430 Third St

La Pine, OR 97739

For up to date information, we ask residents to follow:

Local Media

DCSO website – Emergency Information in Quick Links

DCSO Twitter – @DeschutesSO

Midstate Electric Cooperative Facebook page

La Pine Shelter Manager – 541-639-1179

Please only use 9-1-1 for emergencies.  If you need non-emergency assistance from the Sheriff’s Office, please call non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.

Please note the following precautions:

·         Stay away from downed power lines. Lines may appear to be off or insulated, but NEVER assume that they are off or safe.

·         Put on layers of warm clothing and avoid becoming chilled.  Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking.

·         Only use generators away from your home and NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage, or connect it to your home's electrical system unless properly wired to do so.  This can cause fires and pose a threat to lineman working on the system.

·         Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.

Current Information 12-08-15 / 10 AM

With expected heavy rains at high elevations, we are monitoring local streams.  Streams such as Tumalo Creek and Whychus Creek are susceptible to minor flooding and can rise very quickly.  There is a self-serve sandbag station at the Sisters School District Office (525 East Cascade).

Current Information 06/07/15

Currently there are no incidents to report on.

Natural Gas Leak in Bend 05-26-15 / 10:20 am

Gas Leak has been stopped.  The odor of gas will continue to dissipate.  The area is deemed safe by Cascade Natural Gas and Bend Fire Department.

Natural Gas Leak in Bend 05-26-15/0900

Crews hit a 6-inch gas line at the Colorado Avenue dam project early this morning. Gas smells are prevalent in the area, especially NE of the dam.

Winds are from SW headed NE, carrying smells that direction. Natural gas is lighter than air.

No evacuations are necessary but you are advised to keep windows closed. 
It will be about two hours before crews are able to resolve the gas leak. Bend Fire and Police are on the scene and are working with Cascade Natural Gas to shut off the leak. 

People should avoid the area around Colorado Avenue, Simpson Avenue, Industrial Way and the Old Mill District because of road closures and congestion.

Current Information - 05/03/15

There are currently no incidents to report on.  As we are approaching fire season, we encourage residents to make your home "firewise" and always have a kit, have a plan, and stay informed.

Current Information 01/06/15 3 PM

There are currently no incidents to report on.  Deschutes County is experiencing winter conditions and the public should be prepared for varied weather conditions and quickly changing conditions.

Current Information. 01/03/15 12 PM - Deschutes River Ice

The level of the Deschutes  River between Colorado Avenue and Galveston Avenue  dropped significantly.  Officials will be  monitoring  the ice break up and watching for hazards downstream.

We encourage our citizens to stay away from the ice as it is highly unstable and dangerous.

Unless conditions worsen, updates may become less frequent.

Current Information 01/02/15 9 PM - Deschutes River Ice

The Deschutes River level between Colorado Ave and Galveston Ave in Bend appeared to peak yesterday and has dropped slightly over the past day.  Officials from multiple agencies are continuing to monitor the river.   The ice is expected to break up over the next few days with warmer temperatures.

Residents and property owners are encouraged to be flood ready. For more information:

FEMA Flood Website

Current Information 01/02/15 8 AM- Deschutes River Ice

It appears the level of the Deschutes River between Colorado Ave and Galveston Ave have stabilized and remained constant since about 1 PM yesterday.  The situation is still being monitored by officials from multiple agencies.

Weather forecasts indicate a warming trend and chance of precipitation in the coming days.  We will be watching the river as the ice is expected to break-up and monitoring for trouble throughout the stretch of river.

We would like to remind you to be very careful around ice and that is extremely hazardous.  Residents living along the river should always be prepared for minor flooding events.

Current Information 01/01/15 - Deschutes River Ice Formation and Flooding

The level of the Deschutes River rose approximately  8-10 inches in the last 24 hours due to ice build-up.  As of Thursday at 2 p.m., the Galveston Avenue bridge is safe.

City of Bend with the assistance of Deschutes County is onsite monitoring the situation and preparing for possible changes.

It's important that people and pets stay off the ice.

More sandbags will be available on Riverfront later today.