Portland District News Releases

Public invited to comment on draft study of Detroit Reservoir deep drawdown, potential end to hydropower production

Press Operations — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 20:22:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Portland District is seeking public input on a draft study that considers changes to how the agency operates its Willamette Valley dams. This study – referred to as a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) –builds upon a six-year study completed in April 2025 and addresses new requirements regarding endangered fish and hydropower production that emerged shortly before the six-year study was finalized.

Corps seeks public input for Willamette Valley hydropower report to Congress

Press Operations — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 19:09:00 GMT

The Portland District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will gather the public’s perspective and opinions on the future of hydropower across the Corps’ Willamette Valley system of dams during three listening sessions – one in-person and two virtual.

Corps seeking public comment on proposed 30-year plan for Willamette Valley System

Press Operations — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 19:03:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Portland District (Corps) is asking for public feedback now through Jan. 19 on its proposed 30-year plan for the operation and maintenance of its system of 13 dams and reservoirs across the Willamette River Basin.

Hydropower offers stability during heat waves

Press Operations — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 22:22:00 GMT

Hydropower dams do not produce emissions like fossil-fuel burning resources, making the Northwest’s power system the cleanest in the nation. Dams can also ramp up and down within minutes or seconds, making them very nimble and flexible during heat waves and cold snaps.

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 to lower Cougar Reservoir for temperature control tower repairs

Press Operations — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 20:11:06 GMT

The Corps will lower Cougar Reservoir to about 80 feet below its usual winter elevation to allow for urgent debris removal and repairs in Cougar Dam’s temperature control tower.

Great Electrifying Event lights up Bonneville Lock and Dam

Press Operations — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 21:21:00 GMT

Bonneville Lock and Dam's annual Great Electrifying Event shows how the dam keeps the Northwest powered up. Hands on activities and videos demonstrate the basics of electricity and how it's made, while powerhouse tours give an up close look at Bonneville's hydropower generators. This free event is great for kids and adults.

Enjoy winter recreation at Bonneville Dam

Press Operations — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 16:30:35 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to enjoy some great winter recreation opportunities for you and your family at Bonneville Lock and Dam.

Bonneville Dam hosts Great Electrifying Event at Washington Shore Visitor Center on Feb. 22, 2014

Press Operations — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 19:03:00 GMT

Bonneville Lock and Dam will host its fourth annual Great Electrifying Event on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Washington Shore Visitor Center.

Bonneville Dam hosts Great Electrifying Event Feb. 23

Press Operations — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 22:16:00 GMT

Bonneville Lock and Dam will host its annual Great Electrifying Event Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Washington Shore Visitor Center.

Water levels upstream of John Day Dam may remain high through December

Press Operations — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 20:42:00 GMT

Water levels upstream of the John Day Dam may remain high during November and December to provide additional storage for power generation and river operations, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced. Actual reservoir elevations in November and December could vary between 262.0 feet and 266.5 feet, but will likely stay above 264 feet most of the time.

Corps to double Dorena Dam water releases

Press Operations — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 16:05:00 GMT

Residents and visitors near Dorena Dam and Reservoir should be alert for higher water releases from the dam over the next few days, resulting in higher Row River flows and more rapid lowering of reservoir water levels.

Water levels upstream of John Day Dam may increase in October

Press Operations — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 21:00:00 GMT

Columbia River water levels upstream of the John Day Dam may increase by as much as 2.5 feet during October to provide additional storage for power generation and river operations, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced.