Portland District News Releases

Willamette Valley reservoirs face drought, Army Corps to discuss at public meetings

Press Operations — Tue, 12 May 2026 17:11:00 GMT

Army water managers will hold two virtual information sessions on Tuesday, May 19, to discuss severe drought conditions and the summer forecast for the Willamette Valley’s 13 reservoirs. According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, it is the sixth driest in terms of water year precipitation to-date since 1980 in the Willamette Valley. Low rainfall and snowpack have created widespread drought conditions across the region, impacting the efforts to refill the reservoirs and keep them full.

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, utilities restore power to McKenzie River area after Holiday Farm Fire

Press Operations — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 20:02:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and several utilities successfully bring reliable power to the McKenzie River, Oregon area using Cougar Dam, Oct. 6. Lane Electric, Petersen Cat, Bonneville Power Administration and the Corps worked to “island” Blue River with the nearby dam.

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.

Reservoir drawdowns, dam construction impact McKenzie River recreation

Press Operations — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 20:28:00 GMT

Increased water releases from Cougar and Blue River dams will limit access to some recreation opportunities in those areas. The McKenzie River will also have higher than normal flows as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reduces reservoir levels behind the dams to support maintenance and rehabilitation of the structures’ spillway gates.

Caution to boaters - Reservoir drawdowns to impact flows on McKenzie River

Press Operations — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 19:07:00 GMT

The Oregon State Maine Board and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are alerting boaters to expect higher water levels due to drawdowns on Cougar and Blue River reservoirs that feed into the McKenzie River.

Valley reservoirs full now, early drawdown will lower levels

Press Operations — Mon, 22 May 2017 19:30:00 GMT

Above average rainfall this spring has nearly filled the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ reservoirs in the Willamette Valley. Reservoirs are about 99 percent full as the region begins plans for summer recreation. Most reservoirs will follow the normal management schedule, however, some will experience early drawdowns: Hills Creek, Cougar and Blue River reservoirs.

Corps to install gate at Blue River Saddle Dam launch

Press Operations — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 18:56:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will install a gate across the Saddle Dam Boat Launch at Blue River Reservoir, about 4 miles northeast of the town of Blue River, Ore.