Portland District News

Corps trains for ‘Super Bowl of disasters’

Chris Gaylord — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 22:05:00 GMT

The Corps of Engineers' Northwestern Division led a regional exercise June 14-16 to prepare its teams of emergency planners, operators, and engineers for the possibility of a severe earthquake from the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

Historic wildfires test Corps’ Willamette Valley projects

Christopher Gaylord — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 18:23:00 GMT

The wildfires that closed in on the Corps’ 13-dam system in the Willamette Valley caused minor damage at four dam sites.

Corps reservoirs benefit Willamette Valley swallows

Tom Conning, Public Affairs Office — Thu, 28 Sep 2017 20:33:00 GMT

An unladen purple martin swallow can reach the air-speed velocity of about 24 miles per hour, which may be important information if you’re trying to cross the ‘Bridge of Death’ as you search for the Holy Grail. It’s also probably impossible for that 1.7-ounce bird to carry a 1.2-kilogram coconut, even if he gripped it by the husk (we are checking with the engineering department though).

Fall Creek Dam fish fancy future facility

Tom Conning, Public Affairs Office — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 16:15:00 GMT

PORTLAND, Ore. — Construction crews are rebuilding Fall Creek Dam’s Adult Fish Collection Facility southeast of Eugene, Oregon. When complete, the facility will support Portland District’s efforts to meet requirements of the 2008 Willamette Project biological opinions, issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Portland District prepares for Apoc-eclipse, sees minimal impacts

Tom Conning, Public Affairs Office — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 15:57:00 GMT

PORTLAND, Ore. — The recent celestial phenomenon, which passed through Oregon Aug. 21 spread a shadow over more than just the state. The solar eclipse also cast a pall on local, state and federal agencies due to the expected massive influx of visitors to the area. Because of this, government agencies expended energy, time and money to plan for potential emergencies, traffic jams and safety issues. Portland District was no different.

Float trip conveys canoers, concerns on Corps-altered river

Tom Conning, Public Affairs Office — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 18:27:58 GMT

After the alterations, the Long Tom River was straighter, deeper, wider and, combined with an upstream dam, reduced flood risks to the downstream communities. In the years that followed, the Corps managed the river by balancing flood risk and environmental stewardship with less and less funding for maintenance.

Good snowpack doesn’t ensure good water levels

Tom Conning, Public Affairs Specialist — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT

This past winter, Oregon received plenty of precipitation and snowpack was more than 170 percent of its average in some areas, according to the National Resources Conservation Service. Many people may believe this is cause for celebration in a state that has seen drought conditions during much of the past few years. And although it is good news, snowpack doesn’t mean Portland District’s reservoirs will be full throughout the summer.

Willamette Valley reservoirs ideal for sporting events

Christie Johnson — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 17:10:00 GMT

The Corps hosts numerous sporting events each year on its reservoirs in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Willamette River Basin 2013 refill season

Pentagon News — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:41:00 GMT

This Corps Message addresses the Willamette River Basin's 2013 refill season.

April showers bring May flowers? Yes, but so do September fires

Scott Clemans — Tue, 07 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Prescribed burns provide necessary maintenance of areas like this one at Fern Ridge Reservoir, west of Eugene, Ore. The results can be surprisingly beautiful.