The Harney River is a short river located in Harney County, southeastern Oregon, United States. It is a critical hydrological feature within the Great Basin region of Oregon, primarily known for its role in the Harney Basin's closed drainage system and its connection to Harney and Malheur lakes.
- Course and Hydrology: The Harney River is formed by the confluence of the Silvies River and the Donner und Blitzen River, both of which are much longer and contribute the majority of the water to the system. It flows for a very short distance, typically ranging from less than a mile to a few miles, before emptying into Harney Lake. The river's flow is highly seasonal, dependent on snowmelt from the surrounding mountains (including the Steens Mountain to the south and parts of the Blue Mountains to the north) and rainfall. During periods of high water, particularly in spring, the Harney River connects Harney Lake to Malheur Lake, forming a single, large, interconnected body of water. This ephemeral connection is crucial for the ecological health of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, as it allows for the movement of water, nutrients, and aquatic species between the two lakes.
- Harney Basin: The Harney River is an integral part of the Harney Basin, a large endorheic (closed) basin that covers approximately 5,300 square miles (13,700 km²). While the Silvies and Donner und Blitzen rivers feed into the system, water typically leaves the basin only through evaporation. In extremely rare, high-water years, a spillover channel can connect the basin to the Malheur River, which is part of the Columbia River watershed, but this is an infrequent occurrence.
- Ecology and Conservation: The Harney River and the lakes it connects are vital habitats for a wide array of migratory birds, resident fish, and other wildlife. The area is a centerpiece of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, which manages vast wetlands and riparian zones crucial for bird breeding, resting, and feeding during migration along the Pacific Flyway. Water management and conservation efforts in the Harney Basin focus on maintaining sufficient water levels in the lakes and rivers to support these ecosystems, especially given ongoing concerns about agricultural water rights, the impacts of invasive species like carp, and the potential effects of climate change on water availability in this arid region.
- Nomenclature: The river, like Harney Lake and Harney County, is named after General William S. Harney, who led a military expedition through Central Oregon in 1858.