Portland District News Releases

Limited boat ramp availability at Willamette Valley reservoirs this fall and winter

Press Operations — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:29:41 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Portland District, urges boaters to confirm boat ramp

Corps considers future changes that may impact Willamette Valley System operations, maintenance

Press Operations — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 17:17:04 GMT

Army engineers and planners are considering major changes that may impact the continued operations and maintenance of the Willamette Valley System (WVS). U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) staff continue developing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for WVS operations and maintenance in accordance with authorized project purposes, while meeting Endangered Species Act (ESA) obligations to avoid jeopardizing the continued existence of listed species.

Corps anticipates insufficient water year

Press Operations — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 20:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District is anticipating an insufficient water year as it refills its 13 Willamette Valley and two Rogue River Basin reservoirs for the upcoming recreation season.

Corps closes recreation areas due to Willamette Valley fires

Press Operations — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 18:39:00 GMT

Due to multiple fires burning throughout the Willamette Valley, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District is closing all of the recreation areas it manages near its dams.

Big Cliff Reservoir levels to decrease for sediment sampling

Press Operations — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 17:47:00 GMT

Water levels at Big Cliff Reservoir will be lower Oct. 13-27 to allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct sediment sampling. The Corps is collecting the sediment samples as part of a Remedial Investigation to determine the nature and extent of any contaminants in the immediate area. Corps employees discovered construction debris during an emergency reservoir drawdown in 2009 and have conducted several smaller sampling events since that time.

Big Cliff Reservoir levels to decrease during survey

Press Operations — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 15:34:00 GMT

Water levels at Big Cliff Reservoir will be lower June 19 and 20 to allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct an archaeological survey. The water drawdown will begin June 16 and reach approximately 1180 feet by 8 a.m. June 19. This is about two feet lower than typical low levels at Big Cliff. Corps regulators will hold the reservoir at that level until approximately 8 p.m., June 20.

Big Cliff boat ramp to remain closed to vehicle traffic

Press Operations — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 22:50:01 GMT

The Big Cliff Reservoir boat ramp will remain permanently closed to vehicular traffic. Walk-in portage of boats is still allowed, and boat trailer access to Detroit Lake and the North Santiam River is available at many points within just a few miles of Big Cliff and Detroit dams.