Harney County Flooding Update 4/7/25 (Photo) -04/07/25

Standing Water Persists in Some Neighborhoods, Renewed Flooding Expected

 

Burns, Oregon – April 7, 2025, as of 3 p.m. – Floodwaters continued to recede over the weekend, and properties in the area of N Broadway Avenue became accessible again, with a low point of the street with standing water. Meanwhile other neighborhoods in Eastern Burns near the Silvies River are still experiencing standing water.

 

As forecasted, the Silvies River is expected to reach flood stage on Tuesday, due to additional snowmelt. This renewed threat necessitates that residents, even those in areas where water has receded, remain alert and prepared for potential evacuation orders. Evacuation levels could be reinstated or expanded at any time. Residents in these areas are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

 

Efforts to reinforce the Dike D levee are expected to be completed today, thanks to the ongoing partnership between the Army Corps of Engineers and local contractors. Gravel operations on the Dike D are ongoing.

 

In anticipation of rising river levels, emergency managers are resuming sandbag operations to ensure bags are available for residents, located at City of Hines Public Works.

 

The City of Burns' drinking water remains safe and unaffected. Public works crews continue to address the city’s sewer system, which remains impacted by the flooding.

Public health officials continue to stress the serious health risks associated with floodwaters. Residents are urged to practice caution when in flooded or previously flooded areas.

 

For the latest information and a list of resources, including shelter, public health, road conditions and disposal information, please visit harneycountyor.gov/flood/ and our Facebook page.

Harney County Flooding Update 4/4/2025 (Photo) -04/04/25

NEWS RELEASE: Harney County Flood Update (April 4, 2025)

https://flashalert.net/id/HarneyCountySheriffOffice

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Evacuation levels lowered, future flooding threat remains

Burns, Oregon – April 4, 2025, as of 2:00 PM. – Evacuation levels have been lowered for some areas as water levels continue to recede near the Silvies River.

First responders noted that the water level has dropped about four feet in some previously flooded areas.

 

Evacuation zones are available for review on the Harney County website.

 

Emergency managers continue to stress that the Silvies River is expected to rise early next week, again, above flood stage. Evacuation levels may change at any time, and residents are urged to be ready to leave the area again.

 

As residents return to their homes and properties, public health officials urge people to be cautious and stay away from floodwaters. Health officials say test results show harmful bacteria is present in the water. Emergency cleanup supplies are available at the Distribution of Emergency Supplies location: 320 Snow Mountain Pine Lane, Hines, OR 97738, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily.

• Do not allow your children to play in the water and keep your pets away.
• If you must enter the water, please ensure you are wearing personal protective equipment, such as rubber boots, gloves, waders and goggles to minimize exposure.
• Surfaces that were once wet may also contain mold and other harmful contaminants.
• When you exit, ensure you decontaminate and wash your clothing.
• Keep items worn in flood waters separate from other clothing/items and don't wear your shoes/boots from the flooded waters into your home.
• Do not dump sewage into the floodwaters.

For a full checklist of flood cleanup recommendations, please visit our website: harneycountyor.gov/flood/. Floodwaters will continue to be tested by public health officials.

 

Today, volunteers are passing out self-damage assessment forms. They will be going door-to-door in the impacted areas, and they will be at the Harney Hub, Safeway and Grocery Outlet. The Burns Police Department urge the public to be cautious about contracting restoring companies and donating money to unreliable, unverified accounts, such as fake GoFundMe pages. When natural disasters occur, it's common to find people who want to take advantage of survivors by posing as official disaster aid workers or creating fake donation pages.

 

With support from local contractors, the Army Corps of Engineers continues to reinforce the Dike D levee. The work is on schedule and is expected to be completed by Monday. Gravel operations on Dike D are continuing, and Harney County is exploring options for dike improvements.

 

Sandbags are available for residents at the Hines Public Works Department and other stockpile locations throughout the community. As of Thursday evening, several thousand bags were available.

 

“Lowering evacuations levels is welcome news for those displaced from their homes,” Sheriff Dan Jenkins said Friday. “I am proud of the dedication of our first responders, health officials and public works crews to ensure public safety, and the many community members who have stepped up to help one another during this challenging time. Our community must remain vigilant, though. The flooding threat remains. If evacuation orders change, please follow the orders to avoid putting yourself and first responders at risk. We will recover, we are a resilient community, it’s who we are.”

 

Shelter locations will remain open, and community-supported feeding options are now available at the Harney County Fairgrounds and the Harney Hub.

• Lunch: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
• Dinner: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

HCSO continues to update a full resource webpage on its website: harneycountyor.gov/flood/

 

Additional information and resources:

• Drinking water remains safe. The City of Burns' drinking water is not affected by the flooding or any other complications due to the flooding. It is safe to drink.
• Law enforcement officers continue to maintain a highly visible presence. There have been no reports of theft or looting. If a community member sees something suspicious, they’re encouraged to call police.
• Law enforcement will conduct extra patrols on public lands for anyone who may be illegally dumping flood debris.
• Public health officials continue to work to ensure the health of all residents. Floodwaters will be tested until bacteria levels are considered safe.
• City of Springfield officials are working with the City of Burns to address hazardous waste concerns and find locations to properly dispose of the materials.
• The Region 14 Hazmat Team from Ontario, OR responded to Harney County, yesterday April 3, 2025, to support the Burns Fire Department. Two hours of monitoring was conducted complete with air and water sampling. The sampling determined that the air did not have harmful levels and water samples came back without concern (NOTE: This is different testing than the bacteria being tested in flood waters). Absorbent booms were placed in the flood waters to skim oil off the top.
• The City of Burns sewer system remains overwhelmed. Crews are working around the clock to mitigate issues. Public Works continues working on the bypass and some headway is being made as some residents are no longer impacted.
• County road repair will start as water recedes from those areas, but remain unsafe for travel.
• Plans for debris removal and instructions are being coordinated – released in future update.

Sheltering

The Harney County Fairgrounds continues to operate one indoor and one outdoor shelter. All displaced residents, including Burns Paiute Tribal members, are welcome. The shelters are being staffed by American Red Cross volunteers.

• Pets are welcome but should be kept in a kennel when indoors. Stalls are available at the fairgrounds for livestock. RVs are welcomed at the site as outdoor space permits
• As of Thursday night, 13 people were utilizing publicly available shelter spaces.
• The American Red Cross advises that current shelter options can accommodate up to 50 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.
• Red Cross distributed emergency supplies to residents.
• Others, not at the Red Cross Shelter are staying in other approved areas.

 

Road Closures (April 4):

In Burns:

• Railroad Avenue where it intersects with S. Egan Avenue and W. Fillmore Street
• Riverside Drive: due to damages/washout from flooding

In the county:

• Embree Bridge Lane and Oil Well Road at Highway 78
• Island Ranch Road at Highway 205 (expected to reopen later this week)
• Foley Drive is now OPEN

For a full list of resources, please visit our website: harneycountyor.gov/flood/. We also continue to post updates to our Facebook page.

 

PHOTO: Taken today, looking south at Burns from the north.

Harney County Flood Update 4/3/25 -04/03/25

NEWS RELEASE: Harney County Flood Update (April 3, 2025)

 

https://flashalert.net/id/HarneyCountySheriffOffice

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Harney County Sheriff's Office Continues to Respond to Major Flood Event in Burns

 

Burns, Oregon – April 3, 2025, as of 4:30 p.m. – The Harney County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) continues to respond to the major flooding event that has impacted the Burns area due to rapid snowmelt. Emergency services are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.

 

HCSO continues to update a resource webpage on its website: harneycountyor.gov/flood/

 

Weather and water:

 

• According to the NWS and NOAA, water levels in the Silvies River are lowering. Officials expect this trend to continue until early next week when forecasters anticipate additional runoff from snowmelt. During this time, there is potential the Silvies River will rise again. Currently, there is more than two times the normal snow water equivalent in the Malheur National Forest.

 

First responder and operations:

 

• Burns Police Department officials urge the public to be cautious about donating money to unreliable, unverified accounts, such as fake GoFundMe pages. When natural disasters occur, it's common to find people who want to take advantage of survivors by posing as official disaster aid workers or creating fake donation pages. Official donation locations can be found on our website: harneycountyor.gov/flood/
• Law enforcement officers remain on the lookout for looters, though at present, there have been no reports of theft or looting. Law enforcement officers will continue to maintain a presence around the flood area. If a community member sees something suspicious, they’re encouraged to call police.
• Public health officials continue to work to ensure the health of all residents following reports of E. coli and Coliform found in Harney County floodwaters. Floodwaters will be tested until bacteria levels are considered safe.
• The City of Burns reports that a team from the City of Springfield is visiting to assist the city works department. They are currently working to address hazardous waste concerns and find locations to properly dispose of the materials.
• The City of Burns sewer system remains overwhelmed. Crews are working around the clock to mitigate issues. Public Works is working on bypass efforts for city sewers.

 

Dike D reinforcement: The sandbagging work on "Dike D," the levee that runs from Foley Drive to the Silvies River, is complete. The Army Corps of Engineers continues to reinforce Dike D. The work is on schedule and is expected to be completed in a few days. Gravel operations on Dike D are continuing, and a tree that was blocking operations, was removed. Harney County continues to explore options for dike improvements.

 

Sandbagging: As of this morning the City of Hines has roughly 4,500 filled sandbags at the City of Hines for anyone who needs them. Sandbag-filling operations are on standby until further notice. A list of sandbag locations can be found at harneycountyor.gov/flood/.

 

Damage assessment forms: On Friday, April 4, volunteers will pass out self-damage assessment forms door to door, the Harney Hub, Safeway and Grocery Outlet.

 

Volunteer coordinator: The Emergency Operations Center is working to retain a volunteer coordinator as many local and non-local people are wanting to volunteer their time and resources to help those impacted by flooding.

 

Shelter:

• As of Thursday morning, 18 people were utilizing publicly available shelter spaces. All displaced residents, including Burns Paiute Tribal members, are welcome.
• The American Red Cross advises that current shelter options can accommodate up to 50 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.
• Community meals will start tomorrow at the Harney County Fairgrounds and the Harney Hub.
• The mobile medical van is permanently located at the shelter and is making rounds throughout the community again today.

 

Disaster relief supplies: Plans are underway to start distribution for disaster relief supplies on Friday, April 4 — details in a future release.

 

Drinking water remains safe: The City of Burns' drinking water is not affected by the flooding or any other complications due to the flooding. It is safe to drink.

 

Health Risks: Water collection samples show harmful bacteria is present in the floodwaters. This includes E. coli found in a private well.  

STAY AWAY FROM FLOODWATERS UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY AND HAVE YOUR WELL WATER TESTED. Do not allow your children to play in the water and keep your pets away. If you must enter the water, please ensure you are wearing personal protective equipment, such as rubber boots, gloves, waders and goggles to minimize exposure. When you exit, ensure you decontaminate and wash your clothing. Keep items worn in flood waters separate from other clothing/items and don't wear your shoes/boots from the flooded waters into your home. Do not dump sewage into the floodwaters. The water will continue to be tested until the flood waters recede.

 

Information on free well water testing can be found at https://harneycountyor.gov/flood/

 

Road Closures (April 3):

 

In Burns:

• Railroad Avenue where it intersects with S. Egan Avenue and W. Fillmore Street
• Riverside Drive: due to damages/washout from flooding
• In the county:
• Embree Bridge Lane and Oil Well Road at Highway 78
• Island Ranch Road at Highway 205 (expected to reopen later this week)
• Foley Drive is now OPEN

 

Evacuation Zone Data (These are approximate figures):

 

• Structures within level 3 evacuation area: 593
• Addresses within level 3 evacuation area: 502
• Population within level 3 evacuation area: 1,266

 

• Structures within level 2 evacuation area: 76
• Addresses within level 2 evacuation area: 60
• Population within level 2 evacuation area: 151

 

• Structures within level 1 evacuation area: 19
• Addresses within level 1 evacuation area: 6
• Population within level 1 evacuation area: 15

 

Find more Harney County flood resources and updates here:

https://harneycountyor.gov/flood/

Harney County Flooding Update 4/2/25 -04/02/25

Harney County Sheriff's Office Continues to Respond to Major Flooding in Burns

Burns, Oregon – April 2, 2025, as of 1:50 p.m. – The Harney County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) continues to respond to the major flooding that has impacted the Burns area due to rapid snowmelt. The flooding has caused significant challenges for the local community, and emergency services are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.

 

Harney County Sheriff Dan Jenkins stated, "Our primary concern is the safety of our community. Our city, county and state agencies are working around the clock to provide the necessary resources and support to those affected by the flooding. We recognize the flooding has impacted people’s lives in significant ways. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we continue to work to mitigate issues, and we are grateful for your support of one another and your first responders.”

 

HCSO created a webpage on its website (harneycountyor.gov/flood/) where updates will be published. We are also posting to social media on our Facebook page.

 

Operations: The sandbagging work on "Dike D”, the levee that runs from Foley Drive to the Silvies River is complete. The Army Corps of Engineers continues to reinforce Dike D. The work is on schedule and is expected to be completed in a few days. This is particularly important because weather forecasters anticipate additional runoff from snowmelt early next week due to warmer temperatures across the region over the weekend.

 

A new sandbagging machine arrived Tuesday night, which can fill bags at a faster rate. Sandbag operations are continuing today, and filled bags are being strategically placed in areas where flooding remains a concern.

 

A list of sandbag locations is later in this release.

 

Looking ahead, a volunteer coordinator is being identified.

 

Utilities: The City of Burns sewer system remains overwhelmed. Crews are working around the clock to mitigate issues. Complicating these efforts, on Tuesday, a fire hydrant in a flooded area was damaged. Water is shut off to 14 residents during the repair.

 

Drinking Water is Safe: The city drinking water is not affected by the flooding or any other complications due to the flooding. It is safe to drink.

 

Health Risks: Water collection samples show harmful bacteria is present in the floodwaters. STAY AWAY FROM FLOODWATERS UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. Do not allow your children to play in the water and keep your pets away. If you must enter the water, please ensure you are wearing personal protective equipment, such as rubber boots, gloves, waders and goggles to minimize exposure. When you exit, ensure you decontaminate and wash your clothing. Keep items worn in flood waters separate from other clothing/items and don't wear your shoes/boots from the flooded waters into your home. Do not dump sewage into the floodwaters. The water will continue to be tested until the flood waters recede.

 

E. coli and Coliform have been found in the Harney County floodwaters.Fact Sheet on e Coli

 

Road Closures:

• In Burns:
  • Railroad Avenue where it intersects with S. Egan Avenue and W. Fillmore Street
  • Riverside Drive: due to damages/washout from flooding
• In the county:
  • Embree Bridge Lane and Oil Well Road at Highway 78
  • Island Ranch Road at Highway 205 (expected to reopen Wednesday, April 2)
  • Foley Drive

Evacuation Zone Data (These are approximates):

• Structures within level 3 evacuation area: 593
• Addresses within level 3 evacuation area: 502
• Population within level 3 evacuation area: 1,266
   
• Structures within level 2 evacuation area: 76
• Addresses within level 2 evacuation area: 60
• Population within level 2 evacuation area: 151
   
• Structures within level 1 evacuation area: 19
• Addresses within level 1 evacuation area: 6
• Population within level 1 evacuation area: 15

Harney County Flood Resources & Updates:

• Evacuation Zone Map
• Genasys Alerts: Enter your address to check alert status in your area.
• Flood Info Line: A staffed hotline for residents to call with questions related to the floods: 541-589-0112. Only call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
• State of Oregon Flood Dashboard

Sandbag Pickup Locations:

• City of Hines – Public Works Lot: 101 East Barnes Avenue, Hines
• The Pine Room parking lot: 543 W Monroe St, Burns, OR 97720.
• Washington Park: Corner of E. Washington Street and N. Date Avenue, Burns, OR 97720
• DMV Parking Lot: 252 S Date Avenue, Burns, OR 97720

Shelter Options and Personal Resources for Displaced and Impacted Residents:

Currently, 18 people are utilizing publicly available shelter spaces. All displaced residents, including Burns Paiute Tribal members, are welcome.

• Emergency shelter for all evacuees: Memorial Building — Harney County Fairgrounds
• RV shelter options: Residents in need of temporary shelter may park their RVs in designated areas at Hines City Park and Harney County Fairgrounds.

Portable Toilets: Portable toilets have been placed around town in City of Burns for any residents impacted by not being able to flush toilets due to sewage-system backups. List of locations (subject to change).

 

Showers: Hines Middle School, 500 W Barnes Ave, Hines, OR 97738. Shower Hours: April 2-3: Noon-8 PM; April 4-6: Noon-6 PM. Towels provided.

 

Mobile Medical Services: Harney County Health Department & High Country Wellness are partnering with SERV-OR providers to provide mobile medical services to the community. Schedule for Wednesday, April 2:

• 12 p.m.: Silver Spur Hotel
• 2 p.m.: Best Western
• 4 p.m.: Harney Hub

Donations: You can drop off donations at Burns Christian Church, 125 S Buena Vista Ave, Burns, OR 97720. Questions? Contact Donations Coordinator Melissa Albertson at 541-573-7176.

 

Crisis Line: Symmetry Care: 541-573-8376. National: 988.

 

Domestic Well Water Testing (free for impacted residents): Environmental Health Specialist: Jesse Barnes, 541-589-5788. Monday-Thursday: 8-5; Friday: 8-12. 111 W. Washington St., Burns, OR 97720.

 

Local Agencies: Official/Social Pages:

• Harney County School District #3
• City of Burns, Facebook: City of Burns
• City of Hines., Facebook: City of Hines
• Burns Paiute Tribe, Facebook: Burns Paiute Tribe
• Harney County, Facebook: Harney County
• Harney County Emergency Management, Facebook: Harney County Emergency Management
• Harney County Health Department and High Country Health and Wellness Center
• Oregon Dept. of Emergency Management, Facebook: Oregon Department of Emergency Management
• Oregon Dept. of Transportation, Facebook: Oregon Department of Transportation

Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and follow any evacuation orders or safety instructions issued by authorities. The HCSO will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.