21 Apr 2022

Corps bracing for another challenging water year in Willamette Basin

Despite substantial help from recent rain and snow events, Army water managers are bracing for another challenging year as they work to refill 13 Willamette Valley reservoirs for the upcoming conservation season.

1 Feb 2021

Containing the Flood of 1996

One of the biggest floods the Portland District faced in the late 20th century occurred in February 1996 and caused millions of dollars in damage to the region. The District played a crucial role in combating this flood 's impact through a variety of short-term and long-term activities.

29 Apr 2020

Corps begins "delicate dance" as possibility of drought looms

Erik Petersen, Willamette Valley Project operations project manager, speaks to current conditions, potential impacts and related challenges throughout the Valley.

28 Sep 2017

Corps reservoirs benefit Willamette Valley swallows

An unladen purple martin swallow can reach the air-speed velocity of about 24 miles per hour, which may be important information if you’re trying to cross the ‘Bridge of Death’ as you search for the Holy Grail. It’s also probably impossible for that 1.7-ounce bird to carry a 1.2-kilogram coconut, even if he gripped it by the husk (we are checking with the engineering department though).

9 Jun 2017

Good snowpack doesn’t ensure good water levels

This past winter, Oregon received plenty of precipitation and snowpack was more than 170 percent of its average in some areas, according to the National Resources Conservation Service. Many people may believe this is cause for celebration in a state that has seen drought conditions during much of the past few years. And although it is good news, snowpack doesn’t mean Portland District’s reservoirs will be full throughout the summer.