PORTLAND, Ore. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District will lower Hills Creek reservoir levels to reduce seismic risk.
The dam is currently safe and operating as designed. The reduced reservoir level is a temporary safety measure that will remain in place while USACE conducts a multi-year study to design a fix for the dam.
Hills Creek Dam was built in the 1960s. Since then, USACE engineers have learned more about seismic activity and how dams might perform during an earthquake. Based on this, USACE experts determined that lowering reservoir levels would reduce risk.
Water levels will be reduced by about 30 feet as a safety step. Lower reservoir levels may affect boat ramp access. Current water levels and boat ramp status are available through the Portland District’s water management dashboards at: https://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/nwp/teacup/willamette/
Release no. 26-010