12 May 2026

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

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. 

3 May 2023

Corps to provide update on Willamette Valley reservoirs ahead of summer conservation season

After a historically dry start to the refill season, water managers with the Portland District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) are now optimistic about refilling most Willamette Valley reservoirs after increased rainfall and snowmelt in April. To help explain the nuances of this water year, including refill and the conservation forecast, Corps staff will host a virtual public information session May 10, noon to 1 p.m., and May 11, 5-6 p.m.

15 Jun 2018

Spill operations for temperature control delayed at Detroit Dam: City of Salem requested delay to allow for testing of new toxin detection equipment

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) will again delay spill operations for temperature control to allow the City of Salem time to implement and train personnel on new equipment and treatment options designed to better test and prevent toxins from entering Salem’s water treatment facility.

13 Apr 2018

Rain is good news for Corps reservoirs

Although snowpack levels are still below normal according to the National Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Portland District doesn’t solely depend on snowpack to fill its reservoirs.