Burns-area flooding Thursday afternoon update: Warmup forecast to send Silvies River rising again next week; ‘Dike D’ being reinforced

(Update: Thursday afternoon Harney County SO report)

BURNS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Snowmelt runoff in the Silvies River led to led to devastating flooding in the Burns area in recent days. The river has gone down since, but the community is watching carefully a forecast warmup in the region next week and its potential impacts.

Here's the Harney County Sheriff's Office flooding update for Thursday afternoon:

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/

--

News release from the Oregon Department of Emergency Management:

Flooding Presents Physical and Mental Health Risks and There are Resources Available to Support Impacted Communities 

Harney County, OR – As floodwaters continue to impact Harney County, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), in coordination with Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS-OREM) state and local health agencies, urge residents to be aware of both visible and hidden health risks. While property damage is often clear, the toll on physical and mental health may be less obvious—but no less urgent. 

State and Local Response Underway 

State and local health agencies have been deployed to Harney County assistance includes:  

• Providing crisis hotlines and emotional support services
• Monitoring
• Supporting health clinics with medical volunteers 

Water Quality Monitoring 

City water is being tested regularly and remains safe for drinking, cooking and bathing. However, private well water that has been inundated by floodwaters may not be safe to drink. Residents can have their well water tested by contacting: 

Jesse Barnes, Harney County Environmental Health Specialist, 541-589-5788 

Mon–Thu, 8 a.m. –5 p.m. | Fri, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. 

111 W. Washington St., Burns, OR 

Visit the Harney County Flood Resources website for more details. 

Safe Drinking Water Distribution 

Bottled water is being provided by the Oregon Department of Human Services, Oregon Food Bank, and the American Red Cross and distributed at: 

• Burns Christian Church Food Pantry: 125 S Buena Vista, Burns.  Hours: Sunday–Friday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Christian Church Thrift Shop: 183 S Buena Vista Ave, Burns.  Hours: Thursday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
• American Red Cross Shelter: 69660 S Egan Rd, Burns.  Hours: Open 24/7
• Burns Paiute Tribe Members: Gathering Center, 40 Pasigo St, Burns.  Hours: Pickup available anytime, and The Armory 618 S. Fairview Burns 8 a.m.-7 p.m. 

Flood Water Dangers 

Learn how to avoid electrocution and other injuries after a disaster. 

• Electric Shock Warning- Floodwaters may conceal damaged electrical lines or live wires. Ensure power is shut off before contact. 
• Debris- Debris can cause injuries and wounds, making people more susceptible to infection. 

E. coli has been detected in floodwaters.  Flood waters may also contain hazardous chemicals harmful to people, pets, and livestock. Avoid contact. If you must enter floodwaters: 

• Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and eye protection
• Wash thoroughly after exposure 

Health Care Assistance 

Pop-up health clinics are being opened in the Burns/Hines area. For emergencies, call 911 for information call 541-589-0112. 

Partnering agencies include Harney County Health Department, High Country Wellness, and State Managed Pool of (medical) Volunteers. Visit Flood | Harney County, Oregon for more information on times and locations.  

Mental and Emotional Health Support 

Emotional stress is normal in disaster situations. If you or someone you love is feeling overwhelmed, help is available. 

• Call 988 – National mental health support line, available 24/7
• Symmetry Care – 348 W Adams St, Burns. 541-573-8376  Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM 

Additional tips on coping with disasters are available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Safe Recovery & Clean-Up Tips for Workers 

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Oregon OSHA) urges safety during cleanup. Hazards can include contaminated debris, unstable structures, and electrical dangers. 

Free, confidential consultations and technical assistance are available to help employers keep workers safe: 

• 800-922-2689 (toll-free in Oregon)
• Consultation Request - OROSHA
• consult.web@dcbs.oregon.gov 

For the latest updates and resources, please visit: https://www.co.harney.or.us