Vale, OR – A Flood Warning remains in effect for the Malheur River near Vale, Oregon, as minor flooding continues due to snowmelt and increased reservoir releases. The National Weather Service in Boise reported that water levels will stay above flood stage through early next week.
According to the National Weather Service, the Malheur River reached 19.9 feet as of Friday morning, exceeding the flood stage of 19.5 feet. The river is expected to remain at or above minor flood levels, posing risks to farmland and infrastructure between Harper and Ontario.
At 22 feet, extensive flooding is anticipated, affecting several roads, including Harper Bridge Road, Butte Drive, and the 36th Street Bridge area near Ontario. Some homes near the river may also experience water encroachment. The river’s crest will take approximately 12 hours to travel from Harper to Vale and an additional eight hours to reach Ontario.
Residents are advised to exercise caution near riverbanks and avoid flooded roads. Authorities urge drivers to heed the warning: “Turn around, don’t drown.” Most flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles attempting to cross water-covered roads.
The next update from the National Weather Service is expected Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. MST. Additional details are available at weather.gov.
