Hamilton County prohibits travel on White River

Emergency Declaration issued as dangerous conditions continue

Hamilton County is prohibiting all recreational travel on the White River. Residents should not kayak, canoe, swim, tube, wade, or otherwise enter the river until further notice.

Altman

“We are very concerned that people will be tempted to access the river after it continues to recede,” County Commissioner Christine Altman said. “We have already seen a jet-ski pulling a skier. People need to understand that the conditions are extremely dangerous. This is a life-or-death situation we’re currently in.”

Conditions are particularly dangerous near Hazel Dell Parkway and 106th Street in Carmel, where flooding washed out the bridge and caused significant erosion. The flooding also altered the course of the White River, which is now flowing into the Martin Marietta quarry, a large open limestone quarry with multiple shelves and a steep drop-off.

“If you get past 116th Street, you could be diverted into Blue Woods Creek, pulled underwater, slammed into the collapsed bridge, or swept directly into the quarry,” Altman said. “The current is powerful and unpredictable, and once it takes control, there may be no way out. Stay out of the White River!”

The Hamilton County Commissioners issued a Local Emergency Proclamation on Tuesday, Aug. 18, that prohibits travel on the White River, except for emergency management personnel and first responders. The order also authorizes law enforcement to close access to the river on County-owned property.

Anyone who sees a person in the White River or attempting to enter the river should call 911 immediately. The Local Emergency Proclamation remains in effect through Aug. 25 unless amended or rescinded.