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.

1 Feb 2018

Corps drills into Cottage Grove Dam during geotechnical investigation

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Dam Safety Team is conducting a geotechnical investigation at Cottage Grove Dam, which includes boring into the dam. Cottage Grove Dam is located on the Coast Fork of the Willamette River south of Eugene, Ore.

22 Nov 2017

Ongoing improvements for fish passage at Foster Dam to close road

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will close the road on top of Foster Dam, Sweet Home, Oregon, to remove a large crane, Dec. 4-29. During this time, Foster Dam Road will be closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic. For a time, the Corps used the crane and elevator system, which was innovative for its time, for adult fish collection and passage over Foster Dam; however, the equipment wasn’t fully successful in moving fish above the dam in an efficient manner. Corps biologists concluded there were better options.

7 Nov 2017

Corps seeks Willamette Valley reservoir storage reallocation study review

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s system of 13 dams and reservoirs in the Willamette River Basin’s primary purpose is flood risk management. However, Oregon residents benefit from reservoir water in a variety of other ways, including hydropower generation and recreation. The Corps is in the process of determining if a reallocation of water storage could grant municipal and industrial water supply, irrigation and fish and wildlife better access to the stored water.

13 Oct 2017

Big Cliff Reservoir levels to decrease for sediment sampling

Water levels at Big Cliff Reservoir will be lower Oct. 13-27 to allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct sediment sampling. The Corps is collecting the sediment samples as part of a Remedial Investigation to determine the nature and extent of any contaminants in the immediate area. Corps employees discovered construction debris during an emergency reservoir drawdown in 2009 and have conducted several smaller sampling events since that time.

6 Sep 2017

Corps, ODFW sign hatchery contracts

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued two contracts recently to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for the operation of five hatcheries and the production of salmon and steelhead to offset impacts of the Corps’ dams in Oregon.

16 Aug 2017

Fall Creek Dam getting new fish facility

PORTLAND, Ore. – Construction crews are rebuilding Fall Creek Dam’s Adult Fish Collection Facility southeast of Eugene, Oregon. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is doing this to meet requirements of the 2008 Willamette Project biological opinions to support the safe collection and transport of wild spring Chinook and winter steelhead upstream of the dam.

8 Aug 2017

Total solar eclipse will pass over Corps projects

PORTLAND, Ore. – On Aug. 21, a total solar eclipse will pass over several U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ reservoirs and dams in western Oregon. The eclipse will cross the entire continent for the first time in 38 years, and people from all over the country will come to Oregon to witness this short-duration, yet impactful phenomenon. While several sites will be prime viewing locations for the solar eclipse, Corps dams are critical federal facilities that will continue to operate as usual. All normal rules and regulations will remain in effect, and Corps operators may institute additional safety and security measures in anticipation of high visitation.

23 May 2017

Corps continues field studies at Willamette Valley dams

A drill crew will soon be on site at Cougar Dam, east of Eugene, Oregon, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues field investigation at some dams in the Willamette Valley. The crews will also install instrumentation on the crest of Cougar Dam. The drilling and installation will require the eastbound lane across the dam to be closed intermittently. These closures will be from May 30 to June 13 between 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., reducing traffic to one lane.

3 Nov 2016

Corps performs field studies at Willamette Valley dams

Construction crews are on site at Hills Creek Dam as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begins field investigation at some of its dams. The investigations at Hills Creek, Cougar and Lookout Point dams will give the Corps additional information to better understand conditions within the dams and in their foundations.