These data files show results of surveys made on the dates shown and can only be considered as indicating general conditions present at those times. Reports are usually updated once a month. Results will open in a new window.

Our survey vessels provide hydrographic data to help maintain more than 400 miles of navigation channels vital to the Pacific Northwest. Corps survey vessels travel from Cape Disappointment on Washington's southern coast to the Chetco River on Oregon's coast, and from the Pacific Ocean east along to the Columbia River to McNary Dam. Sophisticated electronic equipment is used to survey river and harbor bottoms to determine where dredging is needed. Our boats also do special purpose surveys, support contract dredging and provide channel condition surveys.

Columbia River Side Channel Surveys are channel-line surveys of the projects adjacent to the Columbia River, such as ports or tributaries, which have a Federal-authorized channel. Channel-line surveys are survey lines which run parallel to the channel, 7 lines across, 150 feet apart.

Columbia River Surveys are channel-line and cross-line surveys of the Columbia from The Mouth of the Columbia to Vancouver Turning Basin. Channel-line surveys are survey lines which run parallel to the channel, 7 lines across, 150 feet apart. Cross-line surveys are lines that run perpendicular to the channel, bank-to-bank and are generally 500 feet apart.

Channel Status Reports represent the controlling depth per channel quarter of all the District's navigational channels for surveys made on the dates shown. See our methodology diagram of extracting controlling depths for more information.

The Elton, a sleek and stable catamaran, is a tribute to Arthur Elton, a man who dedicated his career to keeping the waters of the Columbia River safe and navigable. This unique vessel, with its twin hulls and special hydrofoils, is built for precision and maneuverability, able to access even the trickiest areas to survey the riverbed. Its special paint keeps it free of barnacles and seaweed, ensuring it's always ready to work. The Elton uses advanced sonar technology to create detailed underwater maps, crucial for guiding ships and planning dredging projects. And thanks to its eco-friendly diesel engines, its impact on the environment is minimal.

Arthur Elton was a dedicated member of the Portland District team. He was known for his expertise in keeping the district's fleet of survey boats and dredges in top condition, playing a key role in designing and building several of these workhorses of the river. The Elton, with its cutting-edge technology and commitment to environmental responsibility, stands as a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the rivers he loved.

The Redlinger, a sleek and stable catamaran, honors the legacy of Jake Redlinger, a man dedicated to keeping waterways safe and navigable. This unique, twin-hulled vessel, equipped with hydrofoils for enhanced maneuverability, can access even the most challenging areas to conduct precise surveys of the riverbed. Its special anti-fouling paint keeps it free of marine growth, while eco-friendly diesel engines and carefully isolated fuel tanks minimize environmental impact.

Jake Redlinger began his career at the Portland District in 1966 and became renowned for his expertise in dredging. His dedication extended to the national stage when he played a key role in the cleanup efforts following the 1989 Prince William Sound oil spill. The Redlinger, with its cutting-edge technology and commitment to environmental responsibility, stands as a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to protecting and preserving our nation's waterways.

The Graham is a sturdy, single-hulled survey boat named after a decorated U.S. Army engineer, Major General (Ret.) Jackson Graham. This boat, which seats four people, works on the Columbia River, using sonar technology to create detailed maps of the river bottom. These maps are essential for keeping the river safe for ships and for guiding dredging projects. The Graham has a special crane, called a davit, to put equipment and people into the water and lift them back out. It's powered by two eco-friendly engines and has an extra power generator onboard. For safety and stability, the fuel tank is in the middle of the boat.

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Graham was a true American hero, serving in both World War II and the Korean War. He was responsible for military and civilian engineering projects across 14 states and led the Portland District, the same team that operates the Graham today.

The survey vessel Beeman, named after Ogden Beeman, who served as Portland District's Chief of Waterways Navigation Branch is a tough, single-hulled survey boat servicing the ports and rivers along the Oregon coast from Astoria south to the California border.  This five-person vessel uses advanced sonar technology to create detailed maps of the riverbed. These maps are like underwater blueprints, crucial for guiding ships safely and supporting dredging projects that keep the waterway open.

The Beeman is built for power and efficiency, equipped with two state-of-the-art, eco-friendly engines. Its fuel tank is strategically positioned in the middle of the boat for added safety and stability. Ogden Beeman joined the Portland District in 1960. He was a key figure in managing the team responsible for keeping the river channel clear, overseeing a fleet of powerful dredges. Just like those hard-working dredges, the Beeman carries on the legacy of its namesake, ensuring the Columbia River remains a vital artery for commerce and transportation.

The Hopman, a sturdy and versatile survey vessel, honors the legacy of Robert Hopman, a man whose career exemplified engineering excellence. This five-person vessel, with its unique cathedral hull design, boasts an open bow area, providing a safe and convenient space for the crew to work with equipment and conduct maintenance.

Like the Beeman, the Hopman utilizes advanced sonar technology to create detailed maps of the river bottom, essential for guiding ships and managing dredging projects. Its powerful, yet eco-friendly, twin engines, coupled with a strategically positioned fuel tank, ensure efficient and safe operation. And should the need arise, an onboard generator stands ready to provide additional electrical power. Robert Hopman dedicated 30 years of service to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, rising to the position of Chief of Operations for the Philadelphia District. The Hopman, with its focus on efficiency and precision, serves as a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his career to the vital work of engineering and managing our nation's waterways.

The Portland District’s hopper dredges Yaquina and Essayons, work to ensure a safe “highway” for ships and other vessels. The hopper dredge is a specialized sea-going vessel designed to dredge and transport dredged material from ocean bars, fast flowing rivers and isolated harbors to open-water disposal areas. A hopper dredge works somewhat like a vacuum cleaner. More details about Portland District's dredging and survey vessels are outlined below.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ hopper dredge was delivered to the Portland District in 1983. The Essayons, operated by a merchant marine crew, helps maintain the entrance bars, rivers and harbors on the coasts of California, Oregon, Hawaii, Alaska and, in emergencies, the Mississippi River. Because of its size and dredging depth, the Essayons is particularly well-suited for dredging the larger coastal entrances and larger volume sand deposits in river channels.  Click here for more about the Essayons. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ hopper dredge Yaquina, operated by a merchant marine crew, was delivered to the Portland District in 1981. The Yaquina helps to maintain the entrance bars, rivers and harbors on the coasts of Oregon, California and Washington. Because of its size, the Yaquina is particularly well-suited for dredging the small, shallow coastal entrances and smaller, shifting sand deposits in river channels. Click here for more about the Yaquina.