Many NW Port Approaches Closed by Heavy Weather

The United States Coast Guard closed many coastal and inland ports in the Pacific Northwest due to rough seas and debris in waters on the approaches.

Beginning early last week, five successive days of severe rain struck the coast of Oregon, raising waters to flood levels in local communities and washing debris into waters on port approaches. In addition, rough sea conditions made bar crossings dangerous.

In response, USCG Sector Columbia River closed all of the fishing ports on the coast of Oregon and shut the Columbia River Bar at Astoria. The river provides access to the container and bulk terminals at the Port of Portland.

Several fishing ports on the coast of Washington were also closed.

"The storms that we all experienced over the last several days have made it dangerous for mariners to transit in and out of our many rivers due to severe sea conditions and debris," said Capt. Dan Travers, the commander of Sector Columbia River.

While the USCG says that the bar closures are not unusual in rough winter weather, the addition of high debris volumes has increased the scope and the severity of hazards to shipping.

As of Sunday, December 13, the majority of the bars were closed to recreational and uninspected passenger vessels, but were not listed with blanket Captain of the Port closures.

The approaches to the major container terminals at Seattle and Tacoma were not listed among affected areas.