Burns flooding update: Waters recede in some areas, but Silvies River again expected to reach flood stage

BURNS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Floodwaters continued to recede in Burns over the weekend, and properties in the area of North Broadway Avenue became accessible again, with only a low point of the street swith standing water, officials said Monday. But the threat of renewed flooding looms.

Meanwhile other neighborhoods in eastern Burns near the Silvies River are still experiencing standing water, officials said in Monday afternoon's update from the Harney County Sheriff's Office, which continues in full below:

As forecast, the Silvies River is expected to reach flood stage on Tuesday, due to additional snowmelt. The 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 Monday, 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.

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News release from Rep. Cliff Bentz:

Congressman Bentz Holds Community Leader and Agency Coordination Round Table

BURNS, OR – Thank you to the community leaders, local Harney County officials, State Senator Mike McLane, State Rep. Mark Owens (Represented by his Chief of Staff), State Agency Representatives, and Federal Agency Officials, for joining me and my staff at yesterday’s (Sunday's) Community Leader and Agency Coordination Round table in Burns, Oregon.

This meeting provided first-hand descriptions of the serious damage done and being done by the devastating and still ongoing flood of the Silvies River and surrounding watersheds which flow into the Harney Basin. We heard about, among many other problems, the damage to roads and streets, the precarious condition of the Burn’s City sewer system (now backing up into Burns’ residents’ homes), floodwaters entering homes and businesses, and the danger of possible drinking water contamination. We also discussed possible solutions such as dredging the Silvies River, improving levee systems, and the remote possibility of building a flood control reservoir upstream from Burns.

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management provided a comprehensive review of its efforts to coordinate with other communities to meet the criteria for an emergency declaration. The Army Corp of Engineers explained that it was standing by to offer technical assistance. The Burns City Manager provided a thorough review of the many challenges facing the City.

I assured everyone attending that I am committed to helping obtain the support that Harney County needs, and that my office stands ready to assist in any way that it can. I do want to thank those who have been working so hard to help protect the residents of Burns, with particular emphasis on the County Court, the folks working for the City of Burns, and the Oregon Officer of Emergency Management.