PORTLAND, Ore. -- With summer around the corner and outdoor enthusiasts gearing up for recreation season, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, invites the public to learn what’s in store for Willamette Valley reservoirs this year.
Water managers will host a series of public information sessions—two in-person and one virtual—to explain the latest forecasts, refill projections and the factors influencing water levels across the region’s reservoir system. They’ll also be discussing initiatives and changes within the Willamette Valley reservoir system. These events offer unique insight into one of Oregon’s most complex and crucial water management systems.
TOWN HALL DATES & LOCATIONS:
📍 Springfield
215 West C Street
Springfield, OR 97477
🕛 Friday, April 25 | noon–1 p.m.
📍 Salem
Broadway Commons
1300 Broadway St NE
Salem, OR, 97301
🕖 Friday, April 25 | 7–8 p.m.
💻 Virtual:
🗓 Thursday, May 8 | noon–1 p.m.
🔗 Join Online
Meeting number: 2820 920 5638
Meeting password: umXdA7pd?45
These town halls will begin with a short presentation, followed by an open Q&A session. Community members are encouraged to ask questions and share input either during the session or ahead of time by emailing the Portland District Public Affairs Office.
CURRENT OUTLOOK
Snowpack and year-to-date precipitation across the Willamette Valley is slightly above normal. (Precipitation was 107% of median, as of April 21. The snowpack is 103% of median [13 inches] for the Willamette Valley.) Snowmelt accounts for less than 10% of refill in the system and helps keep reservoir elevations up in the summer – but only if the inflow of the snowmelt to the reservoir matches outflows from the reservoir.
“This year, it’s a bit of a mixed bag across the system: We’ve already seen some initial melt and precipitation amounts are declining—resulting in a reduction of inflows,” said Salina Hart, the district’s reservoir regulation & water quality section chief. “Fortunately, the Willamette system is 74% full, with most reservoirs refilling along their authorized refill curves except for Cougar (Dam) and Foster (Dam), which will be starting refill soon.”
The Corps uses a dynamic strategy known as the “rule curve” to guide reservoir management—balancing flood risk, hydropower, irrigation and recreation. In winter, levels are kept low to capture heavy rains and reduce flood risks. Spring marks the beginning of refill season, preparing the system for warm-weather recreation and ecological needs.
CHECK BEFORE YOU GO
Before hitting the water this summer, the Corps recommends checking real-time reservoir levels online:
🔹 Teacup Diagram – Option 1
🔹 Teacup Diagram – Option 2
WHY IT MATTERS
Managing the Willamette Valley System isn’t just about floods and forecasts—it’s a year-round balancing act of science, safety and community needs. From hydropower and irrigation to water quality and recreation, the reservoirs play a key role in everyday life across the region.
Don’t miss your chance to hear directly from the experts, get your questions answered and understand what’s shaping this year’s water season.