Northwestern Division News Releases

Col. Brendan “Mac” McEvoy assumes command of USACE Portland District

Press Operations — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 22:25:24 GMT

Army Col. Brendan John “Mac” McEvoy became the 65th commander of the Portland District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, during a change-of-command ceremony at the district’s downtown headquarters today.

USACE Walla Walla District welcomes new commander

Press Operations — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 17:00:00 GMT

WALLA WALLA, Wash. – Lt. Col. Kathryn A. Werback relinquished command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, to Lt. Col. Douglas D. Droesch, during a change of command ceremony held in Walla Walla, Washington, July 15.

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

Press Operations — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:52:31 GMT

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

Press Operations — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:43:00 GMT

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 across the Willamette Valley’s 13 federal reservoirs.

USACE urges boating safety near dams

Press Operations — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:55:00 GMT

WALLA WALLA, Wash. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District reminds boaters to stay clear of boat restricted zones near dams after a disabled recreational boat drifted into the restricted area near McNary Lock and Dam on Monday, July 6.

USACE to treat Osprey Point for invasive flowering rush

Press Operations — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:03:18 GMT

PASCO, Wash. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District will treat invasive flowering rush at Osprey Point in Pasco, Washington, using the herbicide Aquastrike (active ingredients: Diquat and Endothall).

Below-average runoff leads to reduced navigation flow support and shortened season

Press Operations — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 22:09:51 GMT

June runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa was 2.9 million acre-feet, 52% of average. The updated 2026 calendar year runoff forecast for the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, continues to be below average.

Public crossing at Lower Monumental Lock and Dam closed starting July 13

Press Operations — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 20:55:11 GMT

KAHLOTUS, Wash. – The public crossing at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Lower Monumental Lock and Dam will be closed July 13 through July 23.

USACE Announces Operational Updates for Willamette Valley Dams

Press Operations — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:32:45 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Portland District, has finalized its plan for operating the Willamette Valley’s 13 federal dams by executing a Record of Decision (ROD).

Step into the fascinating world of Pacific lamprey June 24 at Bonneville Dam for Lampreypalooza

Press Operations — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:50:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission invite the public to Lampreypalooza for a day of science, storytelling, and up-close encounters with one of the Northwest’s most ancient and culturally significant native fish.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin Ediz Hook beach nourishment July 16

Press Operations — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 22:21:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will oversee placement of beach fill nourishment material on the seaward side of the Ediz Hook armor stone revetment in Port Angeles, Wash., starting as early as July 16.

USACE Walla Walla District highlights recreation benefits, announces 2026 fee-free days

Press Operations — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 22:18:05 GMT

WALLA WALLA, Wash. – From eastern Washington to northeastern Oregon and Idaho, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District is proud to connect communities with the great outdoors. While the district works daily on critical water and energy infrastructure, it also manages more than 37 recreation areas. Welcoming millions of visitors each year, these public lands support local tourism and promote healthy, active lifestyles by offering:

Weekend heat spike could prove deadly

Press Operations — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 20:07:59 GMT

The National Weather Service is predicting a spike in temperatures this weekend, with highs in the mid-to-upper 90s along the Interstate 5 corridor. High heat like this often drives people to seek relief in lakes and rivers across the region, which could be deadly if those who swim, boat or fish are not wearing life jackets.

Dworshak Dam to increase releases starting June 5

Press Operations — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 22:32:00 GMT

AHSAHKA, Idaho –Dworshak Dam releases will gradually increase from approximately 1,700 cubic feet per second to 6,400 cfs by the evening of Sunday, June 7.

Below average runoff forecasts for upper Missouri River Basin continue

Press Operations — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:19:58 GMT

Runoff continues to be below average in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa. Below-normal precipitation, dry soil conditions in the western portions of the basin, and an overall lack of mountain snowpack resulted in a May runoff of 1.6 million acre-feet (MAF), 46% of average.

Summer recreational lock schedule now in effect on Columbia River

Press Operations — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:44:21 GMT

Recreational boaters navigating the three lower Columbia River dams—Bonneville, The Dalles, and John Day—now have expanded access to pass through the navigation locks for the summer season.

New 20-year plan finalized to manage Columbia River dredged material

Press Operations — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 22:09:44 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, has finalized a 20-year plan to maintain the lower Columbia River’s deep-draft navigation channel, a critical artery for the nation’s economy.

Water managers monitor upper-elevation rain that could cause local flooding

Press Operations — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:03:45 GMT

Pacific Northwest weather can be a conundrum. In 2026, many parts of the region struggled to build snowpack and saw minimal precipitation. However, even average snowpack combined with storm events can lead to elevated stream flows, as the Flathead Basin in western Montana saw this week.

USACE forecasts significantly increased flows for Lake Pend Oreille and Albeni Falls Dam

Press Operations — Fri, 29 May 2026 22:43:00 GMT

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Seattle District Water Management officials forecast significantly increased inflows into Lake Pend Oreille and outflows from Albeni Falls Dam (AFD) due to heavy precipitation from the recent late spring storm combined with the continued melting of snowpack. Increased inflows have begun and peak inflow is forecast to occur on Tuesday, June 2.

Libby Dam Hosts “Birds of Prey” May 31

Press Operations — Thu, 28 May 2026 14:26:00 GMT

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers celebrates International Migratory Bird Day and National Kids to Parks Day, May 31, at Libby Dam, Libby, Montana. This year’s emphasis will be “Owls: Nature’s Night Shift” with formal presentations with live birds, or “educational ambassadors.” Kids' activities include making an owl craft or dissecting a sterile owl pellet.