Atmospheric river fills Big Pipe; combined sewer overflow ongoing with more rain to come

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — A combined sewer overflow is occurring, and a mix of sewage and storm water is dumping into the Willamette River.

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According to the city of Portland’s Big Pipe Tracker, the Big Pipe is at 100% capacity.

The Bureau of Environmental Services will issue a combined sewer overflow advisory today.

In the past, advisories have urged the public to remain out of the Willamette River for at least 48 hours following a CSO event.

According to the pipe tracker, the Big Pipe hit 100% capacity around 6:15 a.m. Thursday morning.

This current atmospheric river has already dumped more than two inches of rain at Portland International Airport.

Based on the water calculator from the USGS, Portland has seen more than 5,000,000,000 gallons of water since the rain began Wednesday morning.