A small tugboat in a body of water is pictured. On the side of the tug, a man stands and hooks a cable from a larger ship to the top of the tug boat.

Navigation

Our first mission, eliminating impediments to navigation on the Pacific Northwest's rivers, dates back to 1871. We manage 485 navigable river miles in the Columbia River Basin.  The Portland District owns and operates two hopper dredges to maintain safe and reliable channels, harbors and waterways for the transportation of commerce, support to national security and recreation. 

Check the weather

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 Before setting out, obtain the latest marine forecast and warning information at www.weather.gov/marine

Before you go out on the water, get the forecast and don a life vest. Click here for the YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKR9Vk5lftc&feature=youtu.be This video outlines the importance of accurate and up-to-date marine weather forecasts before venturing out.

Understanding marine forecasts is critical to safe boating. Weather and wave conditions can change suddenly, catching boaters off-guard and creating life-threatening conditions. Before setting out, obtain the latest marine forecast and warning information from www.weather.gov/marine or NOAA Weather Radio. Begin listening for extended outlooks with general information for the next five days, offered in both graphical and text formats.

Fast facts about Portland District navigation

Locks 

  • We operate and maintain three of Northwestern Division's 10 locks
  • Our locks pass 10 of the 50.5 million tons of commerce shipped annually

Ports and harbors

  • 10 deep draft (greater than 14 ft.) ports
  • 12 shallow draft harbors
  • 12 large-scale jetty systems 

 

Hazards to navigation

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Coast Guard have authority to remove hazards to navigation from the waterways of the United States. 
 Program overview
Generally, the U.S.Coast Guard is the primary agency to identify and remove a hazard to navigation; however, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may be asked for assistance. Either USCG or USACE may remove hazards at the owner's expense. Local port districts, city, county and state agencies may also take legal action against an owner for removing a hazard to navigation within their jurisdictions.
 Authority

Authority for removal of hazards to navigation by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is referenced in Sections 15-20 of the River and Harbor Act of 1899.
Guidelines for coordination, removal of hazards to navigation, and cost recovery between the United States Coast Guard and the United States Army Corps of Engineers are found in the following:

 

 Contact us about the Hazards to Navigation program

Send an email with the subject "Hazards to Navigation," your questions or comments, and your preferred contact information to Hazards to Navigation Coordinator at:

DLL-CENWPHazardstoNavigation@usace.army.mil