Harney County flooding update 4/10/25
By Mindy Gould on Thursday, April 10th, 2025 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
HARNEY COUNTY(Released from the Harney County Sheriff’s Office)-While Harney County has shifted toward a clean-up and recovery response, we continue to monitor for any potential new flooding. The National Weather Service indicates the Silvies River gauge will continue to hover around 12 feet, minor flood stage, due to warm temperatures. Because of this, evacuation levels remain unchanged. We ask residents to remain vigilant and be ready to evacuate if ordered to leave.
The reinforcement of Dike D was successfully completed earlier this week. According to the Army Corps of Engineers, the large, permeable rock used in the project could allow some water leak during another high-water event, but they emphasize that Dike D remains stable and structurally sound, even if water is observed seeping through the reinforced area. Harney County extends its gratitude and the Army Corps of Engineers, and supporting contractors, for responding and reinforcing the dike in a timely and thorough manner.
Cleanup efforts following the flood are underway. Teams from the Hines Fire Department, Hines Police Department, and the ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management are actively canvassing affected neighborhoods, gather essential information to effectively coordinate recovery operations.
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. We are asking the public to refrain from taking flood contaminated debris from local dumpsters due to potential health risks.
The City of Burns’ drinking water remains safe and unaffected.
On Thursday, Grocery Outlet donated approximately 140 pallets to store filled sandbags.
County Roads Update: OO Road (Double O Road) is down to one lane only.
For propane tank questions, Burns Fire Chief Scott Williamson recommends contacting Ed Staub & Sons, 429 Crane Blvd. in Burns.
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.
