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Around the Northwestern Division

News Stories and News Releases from the Northwestern Division and the NWD Districts including the Kansas City, Omaha, Portland, Seattle and Walla Walla Districts.

Division - News Releases

USACE seeks comment on supplemental environmental assessment for Mud Mountain Dam Water Control Manual update

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District

8/18/2026

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) officials are seeking public comments on the draft supplemental environmental assessment for the proposed update to Mud Mountain Dam’s Water Control Manual. USACE...

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Recognizes National Hydropower Day and Highlights Public-Private Energy Partnerships

USACE HQ Public Affairs Office

8/17/2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is proud to recognize National Hydropower Day, Aug. 24. For more than 140 years, the USACE Hydropower Program has been providing the nation with ready,...

Public meeting to be held for former Offutt Air Force Base, Atlas "D" Missile Site 3

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

8/13/2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be hosting a public meeting for the formerly used Offutt Air Force Base, Atlas "D" Missile Site 3 on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, at the Rand Community Center in...

Below normal runoff continues in the Upper Missouri Basin

Missouri River Water Management Division

8/10/2026

July runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa was 2.0 million acre-feet (MAF), 61% of average. Runoff was below-normal to well-below-normal in the Fort Peck, Garrison, and Oahe...

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begins North Fork Skagit River Levee Repairs

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District

8/10/2026

Repairs to the North Fork Skagit River levee system to provide 50-year flood protection for residential and agricultural lands in the Skagit Delta in the city of Mount Vernon, Washington, begins...

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...

Six Senior Tech Leaders Join USACE to Enhance Enterprise IT Capabilities

USACE CIO/G-6

7/14/2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), whose mission is to deliver vital engineering solutions in support of our nation, is pleased to announce six significant senior IT leader appointments for the...

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

Missouri River Water Management Division

7/6/2026

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,...

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers waives day use fees at recreation areas in observance of America’s 250th birthday celebration

HQ USACE Public Affairs Office

6/24/2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today announced that it will waive day use fees at its more than 2,800 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide in support of America’s 250th birthday celebration,...

USACE Announces Operational Updates for Willamette Valley Dams

Portland District

6/23/2026

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)...

Garrison Dam spillway flow test scheduled for late June

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

6/22/2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will conduct a planned flow test of the Garrison Dam spillway on or around June 24, 2026, as part of ongoing investigations related to the spillway modification...

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

Portland District

6/18/2026

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...

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

Seattle District

6/17/2026

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...

Weekend heat spike could prove deadly

Northwestern Division

6/11/2026

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...

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers waives day use fees at recreation areas in observance of Army Corps of Engineers’ Birthday

HQ USACE Public Affairs Office

6/9/2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today announced that it will waive day use fees at its more than 2,800 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide in observance of its birthday, June 16...

Below average runoff forecasts for upper Missouri River Basin continue

Missouri River Water Management Division

6/4/2026

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...

Summer recreational lock schedule now in effect on Columbia River

Portland District

6/3/2026

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

Portland District

6/2/2026

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

Northwestern Division

6/2/2026

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...

Libby Dam Hosts “Birds of Prey” May 31

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS/SEATTLE DISTRICT

5/28/2026

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”...

Record of Decision signed for Dakota Access Pipeline Final Environmental Impact Statement

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

5/21/2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed the Record of Decision (ROD) today for the Dakota Access Pipeline Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), selecting Alternative 4, which grants an easement...

A historical overview of the Coos Bay North Jetty

Portland District

5/20/2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announces the availability of a new, comprehensive historical manuscript detailing the cultural, maritime, and engineering history of the Coos Bay North Jetty...

High water flows expected during Cherry Creek Dam annual maintenance; officials urge caution

USACE OMAHA DISTRICT

5/18/2026

Higher than normal water flows through Cherry Creek Dam will begin Wednesday, May 20, as part of annual sediment flushing by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District to help ensure proper...

Libby Dam Transitions to Recreation.gov for Campground Reservations and Payments

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS/SEATTLE

5/13/2026

Libby Dam transitions to Recreation.gov for all campground reservations and day-use picnic shelter reservations fee payments, starting May 22. The shift modernizes the visitor experience at all...

News Stories from across the Division

Joint Task Force Castle activated at Hill AFB

Joint Task Force Castle

8/26/2026

JTF Castle is the latest example of joint-service collaboration supporting strategic deterrence modernization. As the organization begins operations, its leaders emphasized a shared commitment to...

From flood fight to recovery: Seattle District continues restoring flood protection across the Pacific Northwest

Seattle District

8/26/2026

The December 2025 flood event tested communities, infrastructure and emergency response organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District responded...

Kansas lake records state’s second successful osprey nesting three years after the first

Kansas City District

8/24/2026

Prior to 2023, Kansas had never recorded a successful osprey nesting and fledging. As more of these predatory birds were seen in the state, it was just a matter of time before history was made. Perry...

Memorial bench dedicated in honor of Bruce Dvoracek at Gavins Point Dam

Omaha District

8/24/2026

A memorial bench was recently dedicated at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District’s Gavins Point Dam in honor of Bruce Dvoracek, who dedicated more than two decades of service to the project...

USACE, Air Force open modernized helicopter, tactical response force facility supporting nuclear security

Omaha District

8/21/2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Air Force marked a significant milestone in national nuclear defense infrastructure with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 14, 2026, for the new 37th...

St. Vrain Creek flood risk reduction project nears completion in Longmont

Omaha District

8/20/2026

A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District flood risk reduction project along the St. Vrain Creek in Longmont, Colorado, is substantially complete, marking another milestone in the community’s...

The city so nice they named it twice: How the Kansas Citys Levees mega project exceeded all expectations to reduce flood risk in the heartland

Kansas City District

8/17/2026

Vertical construction is hard to miss. Say, a brand-new hospital or a four-story facility to house a national security and defense agency. Drive by and you are likely to notice as construction...

Ensure, maintain and prepare: Kansas City District holds continuity of operations exercise

Kansas City District

8/14/2026

It’s said that failing to plan is planning to fail. Having a plan, whether in your personal or professional life, in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency situation is sometimes easier...

Omaha employees honored for saving taxpayers’ dollars

Omaha District

8/12/2026

Three U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District employees received the Department of the Army Civilian Service Achievement Medal for their outstanding service and stewardship of taxpayers’ dollars,...

Omaha District under new leadership following change of command

Omaha District

8/3/2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, held a change of command ceremony July 28, 2026, at the Holland Performing Arts Center in Omaha, Nebraska, welcoming Col. Joe Sahl and thanking...

The Walla Walla District welcomes Lt. Col. Douglas Droesch

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

7/31/2026

On July 15, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District held its change of command ceremony at the Marcus Whitman Hotel, where Lt. Col. Kathryn Werback relinquished command to Lt. Col...

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...

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

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

6/8/2026

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...

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

Seattle District

6/5/2026

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...

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

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

6/1/2026

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...

Fort Peck Interpretive Center director honored for public communication, outreach

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

5/28/2026

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...

District completes Pipestem Dam spillway modification project

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

5/27/2026

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,...

Albeni Falls Dam: Cutting Red Tape to Rebuild Infrastructure

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS/SEATTLE DISTRICT

5/26/2026

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...

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

5/15/2026

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...

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

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

5/11/2026

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

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS/SEATTLE DISTRICT

5/4/2026

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...

District revives Brainstorm the Castle innovation initiative

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

4/30/2026

Innovation often starts with a simple idea, like an observation from someone doing the work every day who sees a better way to accomplish the mission.A program known as Brainstorm the Castle is giving...

Caring for Those Who Serve: New Hospital Opens at Fort Leonard Wood

Kansas City District

4/24/2026

After six years of construction and much excitement among the community it serves, the opening of the new General Leonard Wood Community Hospital was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on March...

Secretary Telle, Senator Ricketts tour Missouri River, discuss future of flood protection in Nebraska

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

4/22/2026

Federal leaders toured the Missouri River corridor April 9 to assess power generation and flood protection infrastructure and discuss future risk reduction efforts in Nebraska.Assistant Secretary of...