News from Around the Northwestern Division

Partnership strengthens waterfowl conservation through annual goose banding effort

By Delanie Stafford U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Published July 29, 2026
Natural resources specialists from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District’s Garrison Project recently joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, and other partners for a two-day Canada goose banding operation at Audubon National Wildlife Refuge, highlighting the importance of interagency collaboration in conserving North America's migratory bird populations.
The simply written stories of the complicated Bonneville Dam safety classification: Bonneville Dam is really complicated

By Andria Allmond Published July 27, 2026
Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of news commentaries on the Bonneville Dam safety reclassification. In this edition, the author will explain the basis of the reclassification, with future articles addressing specific aspects influencing the reclassification and evaluation. 
USACE dams reduced flood risk during December 2025 storms, helped prevent billions in potential damages

By Louis R. Velasco U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District Published July 20, 2026
During one of western Washington's most significant flood events in recent history in December 2025, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood risk management dams, water managers and emergency response operations helped reduce flood risk across the Puget Sound region by holding back peak flows, protecting communities, and helping prevent an estimated $8.7 billion in potential flood damages.
Spillway flow test conducted for Garrison Dam Safety Modification Project

By Delanie Stafford Omaha District Published July 20, 2026
A functional spillway flow test was conducted at the Garrison Dam in late June marking a first for the Garrison Dam Safety Modification Project. Engineers with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District conducted the test to evaluate the long-term performance and reliability of the structure while ensuring it is ready for future flood events.
Strengthening water partnerships: USACE water manager partners with Northwest River Forecast Center

By Abigail Chipps Seattle District Published July 16, 2026
For the past four years, Kyle Comanor has managed water flows at dams near and within the greater Seattle area. In his role as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Seattle District’s senior water manager for western Washington, communicating with other agencies, especially those who forecast, is critical in making water management decisions that positively impact recreational water use, flood risk reduction and public safety.
Sen. Pete Ricketts visits levee rehabilitation project near Peru

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, OMAHA DISTRICT Published July 13, 2026
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts joined Col. Robert Newbauer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District commander, and project leaders for a tour of rehabilitation efforts on the R-562 levee system June 15, 2026.
USACE, U.S. Air Force partners fortify Malmstrom national defense with ‘Gateway to Sentinel’ groundbreaking

By Louis R. Velasco Seattle District Published June 17, 2026
U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers leaders celebrated a project groundbreaking May 28, 2026 at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana. The project will serve as the “gateway” for future modernization efforts to the installation’s Minuteman III ICBM arsenal. The Commercial Entrance Control Facility has a simple but strategic purpose: enable easier and direct access for contractors and heavy construction machinery to Sentinel-related construction sites around the installation.
A unified front: federal and state agencies partner to secure Hayden Park

By Makenzie Leonard U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Published June 8, 2026
William F. Hayden Park is a scenic public park on the side of Green Mountain in Lakewood, Colorado, attracting nearly 500,000 visitors annually. Prior to its existence as a public park, this stretch of Green Mountain was known by the Army National Guard as the Camp George West Artillery Range.
Beyond the desk: A week aboard a USACE dredging vessel to protect an ancient, elusive fish

By Louis R. Velasco Seattle District Published June 5, 2026
For Jacqui Bergner, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers aquatic biologist, the rumble of a dredging vessel's engine wasn't just noise—it was the sound of her office. For one week, she called the massive hopper dredge Essayons home, working 12-hour shifts sifting through thousands of pounds of sand and mud. Her mission: to monitor for the accidental “take” of threatened green sturgeon.
Tributary dams help provide flood risk reduction, saving millions in damages

By Delanie Stafford U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Published June 1, 2026
Many people will visit popular lakes across the Midwest this summer for recreation without ever knowing the reservoirs provide several other benefits. These benefits include irrigation, water supply for domestic use, and habitats for fish and wildlife. One of their primary purposes, however, is to provide critical flood risk reduction. Each year, the reservoir systems help save downstream communities from the potential loss of life and millions of dollars in flood damage. The reservoirs work together to collect and store water during high-water events and then release it once downstream flood risks have subsided. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, currently manages 35 tributary reservoirs with federally authorized flood control storage across several Upper Midwest and western states, including projects owned by USACE, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and local authorities.
Fort Peck Interpretive Center director honored for public communication, outreach

By Delanie Stafford U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Published May 28, 2026
Sue Dalbey, director of the Fort Peck Interpretive Center, has been selected as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2025 Honorary Communicator of the Year for her leadership and outreach efforts in communicating USACE missions and programs.
District completes Pipestem Dam spillway modification project

By Makenzie Leonard U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Published May 27, 2026
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District has completed the $250 million Pipestem Dam Spillway Modification Project, fulfilling a three-year commitment to residents of Jamestown, North Dakota, and communities downstream of the dam. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held May 19 to celebrate the milestone.
Albeni Falls Dam: Cutting Red Tape to Rebuild Infrastructure

By Nicole L. Celestine U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS/SEATTLE DISTRICT Published May 26, 2026
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' $20,395,700 contract award for the 11-gate replacement project at Albeni Falls Dam, in Oldtown, Idaho, signals a shift in how federal infrastructure projects are delivered: prioritizing efficiency and community transparency over bureaucratic hurdles, working as a regional team to efficiently deliver the design, hosting Industry Day events to incorporate input from industry experts and delivering a 'Hybrid contract,' a unique type of contract.
People, Peril and Perseverance: The Enduring Legacy of the Coos Bay North Jetty

Published May 15, 2026
The early 1800s heralded a period of immense change for the Coos Bay area with the arrival of its first non-Indigenous people: fur traders seeking fortune and military expeditions charting the new frontier. The discovery of gold and coal along Oregon’s southern coast in the 1850s intensified the rush of land speculation that followed.
District employee set to retire after 43-year career of safeguarding buildings, people

By Delanie Stafford U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Published May 11, 2026
A longtime U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District employee will retire this summer after more than four decades shaping how military and federal buildings withstand threats and conserve energy.
Libby Dam Volunteer Spotlight: Barbara Grant

By Nicole L. Celestine U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS/SEATTLE DISTRICT Published May 4, 2026
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Libby Dam spotlight Volunteer Barbara Grant, as part of National Volunteer Week (April 19-25, 2026). In 2025, Libby Dam ranked No. 60 of 322 USACE-managed projects in the nation for volunteer contributions; the cadre of 28 volunteers contributed 3,741 hours of service.

Latest News Releases

Drought vs. drawdown at Detroit reservoir: Top 5 questions answered

Portland District

7/28/2026

This summer, visitors to and residents near Detroit Reservoir are noticing lower-than-average water levels...

Heat broils eastern Washington, Idaho as federal water managers seek to salve river temperatures. Enter Dworshak Dam – calm, cool (water) and collected.

Northwestern Division

7/27/2026

The Clearwater and Snake rivers converge at Lewiston and the hot water from those two rivers mixing there is dangerous for salmon and steelhead that prefer cooler water temperatures. As dire as this...

White River Basin communities invited to open house for Mud Mountain Dam Water Control Manual update

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District

7/24/2026

Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District will host an open house Sept. 1 in Auburn, Washington to inform the public about the district’s efforts to update Mud Mountain...

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin seasonal Lucky Peak Reservoir drawdown

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District

7/23/2026 UPDATED

BOISE, Idaho — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, in coordination with the Bureau of Reclamation, plans to begin gradually lowering the pool elevation of Lucky Peak Reservoir...

Water Follies visitors urged to protect shoreline vegetation

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District

7/22/2026 UPDATED

WALLA WALLA, Wash. – As the Tri-Cities prepares for the annual Water Follies, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, is reminding visitors that shoreline vegetation along the Columbia...

During historically dry year, USACE to hold virtual public meeting about Lost Creek, Applegate reservoir levels

Portland District

7/15/2026

Army water managers will hold a virtual public information meeting July 22 to discuss historically low water levels and the summer forecast for the Rogue River Basin...

USACE to discuss low Willamette Valley reservoir levels at virtual public meeting

Portland District

7/15/2026

Water managers with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will hold a virtual public information meeting July 23 to share the latest summer water forecast and discuss ongoing drought conditions...

Feature Stories

Partnership strengthens waterfowl conservation through annual goose banding effort

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

7/29/2026

Natural resources specialists from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District’s Garrison Project recently joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, and...

The simply written stories of the complicated Bonneville Dam safety classification: Bonneville Dam is really complicated

7/27/2026

Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of news commentaries on the Bonneville Dam safety reclassification. In this edition, the author will explain the basis of the reclassification, with future...

USACE dams reduced flood risk during December 2025 storms, helped prevent billions in potential damages

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District

7/20/2026

During one of western Washington's most significant flood events in recent history in December 2025, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood risk management dams, water managers and emergency response...

Spillway flow test conducted for Garrison Dam Safety Modification Project

Omaha District

7/20/2026

A functional spillway flow test was conducted at the Garrison Dam in late June marking a first for the Garrison Dam Safety Modification Project. Engineers with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha...

Strengthening water partnerships: USACE water manager partners with Northwest River Forecast Center

Seattle District

7/16/2026

For the past four years, Kyle Comanor has managed water flows at dams near and within the greater Seattle area. In his role as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Seattle District’s senior water...

Sen. Pete Ricketts visits levee rehabilitation project near Peru

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, OMAHA DISTRICT

7/13/2026

U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts joined Col. Robert Newbauer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District commander, and project leaders for a tour of rehabilitation efforts on the R-562 levee system June 15,...

USACE, U.S. Air Force partners fortify Malmstrom national defense with ‘Gateway to Sentinel’ groundbreaking

Seattle District

6/17/2026

U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers leaders celebrated a project groundbreaking May 28, 2026 at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana. The project will serve as the “gateway” for future...

News from Around the Northwestern Division

Partnership strengthens waterfowl conservation through annual goose banding effort

The simply written stories of the complicated Bonneville Dam safety classification: Bonneville Dam is really complicated

USACE dams reduced flood risk during December 2025 storms, helped prevent billions in potential damages

Spillway flow test conducted for Garrison Dam Safety Modification Project

Strengthening water partnerships: USACE water manager partners with Northwest River Forecast Center

Sen. Pete Ricketts visits levee rehabilitation project near Peru

USACE, U.S. Air Force partners fortify Malmstrom national defense with ‘Gateway to Sentinel’ groundbreaking

A unified front: federal and state agencies partner to secure Hayden Park

Beyond the desk: A week aboard a USACE dredging vessel to protect an ancient, elusive fish

Tributary dams help provide flood risk reduction, saving millions in damages

Fort Peck Interpretive Center director honored for public communication, outreach

District completes Pipestem Dam spillway modification project

Albeni Falls Dam: Cutting Red Tape to Rebuild Infrastructure

People, Peril and Perseverance: The Enduring Legacy of the Coos Bay North Jetty

District employee set to retire after 43-year career of safeguarding buildings, people

Libby Dam Volunteer Spotlight: Barbara Grant

Top Pages

Related External Links

Latest News Releases

Drought vs. drawdown at Detroit reservoir: Top 5 questions answered

Heat broils eastern Washington, Idaho as federal water managers seek to salve river temperatures. Enter Dworshak Dam – calm, cool (water) and collected.

White River Basin communities invited to open house for Mud Mountain Dam Water Control Manual update

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin seasonal Lucky Peak Reservoir drawdown

Water Follies visitors urged to protect shoreline vegetation

During historically dry year, USACE to hold virtual public meeting about Lost Creek, Applegate reservoir levels

USACE to discuss low Willamette Valley reservoir levels at virtual public meeting

Feature Stories

Partnership strengthens waterfowl conservation through annual goose banding effort

The simply written stories of the complicated Bonneville Dam safety classification: Bonneville Dam is really complicated

USACE dams reduced flood risk during December 2025 storms, helped prevent billions in potential damages

Spillway flow test conducted for Garrison Dam Safety Modification Project

Strengthening water partnerships: USACE water manager partners with Northwest River Forecast Center

Sen. Pete Ricketts visits levee rehabilitation project near Peru

USACE, U.S. Air Force partners fortify Malmstrom national defense with ‘Gateway to Sentinel’ groundbreaking

News from Around the Northwestern Division

Partnership strengthens waterfowl conservation through annual goose banding effort

The simply written stories of the complicated Bonneville Dam safety classification: Bonneville Dam is really complicated

USACE dams reduced flood risk during December 2025 storms, helped prevent billions in potential damages

Spillway flow test conducted for Garrison Dam Safety Modification Project

Strengthening water partnerships: USACE water manager partners with Northwest River Forecast Center

Sen. Pete Ricketts visits levee rehabilitation project near Peru

USACE, U.S. Air Force partners fortify Malmstrom national defense with ‘Gateway to Sentinel’ groundbreaking

A unified front: federal and state agencies partner to secure Hayden Park

Beyond the desk: A week aboard a USACE dredging vessel to protect an ancient, elusive fish

Tributary dams help provide flood risk reduction, saving millions in damages

Fort Peck Interpretive Center director honored for public communication, outreach

District completes Pipestem Dam spillway modification project

Albeni Falls Dam: Cutting Red Tape to Rebuild Infrastructure

People, Peril and Perseverance: The Enduring Legacy of the Coos Bay North Jetty

District employee set to retire after 43-year career of safeguarding buildings, people

Libby Dam Volunteer Spotlight: Barbara Grant

Top Pages

Related External Links

Latest News Releases

Feature Stories

The simply written stories of the complicated Bonneville Dam safety classification: Bonneville Dam is really complicated