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Winter 2024 - Vol. 1, Issue 1

Dam Good News is published quarterly by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, Public Affairs Office under the authority of AR 360-1 to provide the staff and families of NWW with information on people, policies, operations, technical developments, trends and ideas of and about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Walla Walla District. The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Department of Defense or the U.S. Army. Direct communication is authorized to Public Affairs, Dam Good News, 201 North 3rd Avenue, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Phone: 509-527-7020. Or send an email to cenww-pa@usace.army.mil. Unless otherwise indicated (and except for “by permission” and copyright items), material may be reprinted provided credit is given to the author. All photographs by U.S. Army except as otherwise credited. The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement of the products or services advertised by the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

01

McNary turns 70!

Dedicated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on Sept. 23, 1954, McNary is one of the oldest dam projects in our district! Today, we celebrate the...

02

McNary turns 70!

Dedicated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on Sept. 23, 1954, McNary is one of the oldest dam projects in our district! Today, we celebrate the...

03

McNary turns 70!

Dedicated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on Sept. 23, 1954, McNary is one of the oldest dam projects in our district! Today, we celebrate the...

Commander's Comments
Wonderful Walla Walla District,

I am incredibly honored and excited to be your new District Commander! I look forward to serving with you as we tackle tough missions, together. I consistently heard from our senior leaders that Walla Walla may be small, but it’s a mighty district that knows its business.

I understand the challenges we face, and I am committed to working alongside each of you to find solutions for the District, USACE, and more importantly, the communities we serve. I know I have a lot to learn and look forward to meeting you all and discuss how we deliver quality projects, safely, on time, and within budget.

Your enthusiasm and proficiency are what make this district exceptional, and I am here to support you in every way possible. Let’s continue to build strong by demonstrating our values through collaborative work and accomplish the extraordinary.

Teamwork – Trust – Accountability - Adaptability

v/r,

LTC Katie Werback

Commander, Walla Walla District

Reinventing the Ladder: How a local engineer is making waves throughout the Division

By Joshua Glenn U.S. Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District Published Nov. 18, 2024
Born and raised only 30 miles away from the Walla Walla District headquarters, a young Dayton native never knew much about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It wasn’t until after college that Ryan Laughery, hydraulics engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, would come to realize the world of opportunities awaiting him one town over.
USACE Walla Walla District celebrates Veterans Day

By Joshua Glenn U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District Published Nov. 11, 2024
World War I officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, outside the town of Versailles, France. Seven months prior, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, went into effect between the Allied nations and Germany on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Today, and every Nov. 11, we celebrate this armistice, the end of World War I and all the brave men and women who vowed to protect our country.
“I’ll keep trying;" A journey from Mexico to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

By Noe Gonzalez U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District Published Oct. 22, 2024
It started in 1979 on the dirt streets of Zacatecas, Mexico, where a young boy named Juan Gaytan dreamed of a better life in the United States.
McNary turns 70!

By Joshua Glenn U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District Published Oct. 7, 2024
As the population grew in the Pacific Northwest, communities formed around the Columbia and Snake rivers. Back then, the currents were temperamental and hard to navigate. However, there was a vision to create a highway, one that would allow barges to carry cargo from the Pacific Ocean to the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers, 465 miles inland.
Chasing the storm: Working with FEMA during Hurricane Beryl

By Hannah Mitchell U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WALLA WALLA DISTRICT Published Sept. 13, 2024
This summer, the record-breaking Hurricane Beryl entered the Caribbean Sea as a Category 5 hurricane before weakening to a Category 1 hurricane and hitting the Texas coast, July 8. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Walla Walla District Temporary Emergency Power Planning and Response Team (PRT) was on the ground supporting efforts to get the lights back on for over 2.7 million who lost power in the Houston area.
Sharing the load: Partnering to keep people safe

By Hannah Mitchell U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WALLA WALLA DISTRICT Published Sept. 9, 2024
To prevent flooding in a desert, sometimes you must build a dam without a river.
Finding the spark: One Walla Walla native’s drive to become an electrical engineer

By Hannah Mitchell U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WALLA WALLA DISTRICT Published July 29, 2024
Growing up, Eric Hedine loved science and pictured himself becoming a biologist. However, his plans shifted when he discovered electrical engineering.
Walla Walla District Welcomes New Commander

By Marcy Sanchez U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District Published July 15, 2024
The Walla Walla District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) held a change of command ceremony where Lt. Col. ShaiLin KingSlack relinquished command to Lt. Col. Katie Werback at the Marcus Whitman Hotel in Walla Walla, July 12.
USACE collaborates with City of Gooding to reduce flood risk, improve safety

By Marcy Sanchez U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WALLA WALLA DISTRICT Published April 3, 2024
Approximately 40 years ago, when Diane Houser first moved to the City of Gooding, Idaho, she noted deteriorating channel walls along the Little Wood River, a tributary of the Big Wood River in Idaho’s Magic Valley, which cuts through the small city.
Serving the Northwest from afar

By Hannah Mitchell U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WALLA WALLA DISTRICT Published March 11, 2024
Every day, Gabrielle Marucci sits down at her desk and logs into her computer, checking her email and meeting schedule. Her desk sits next to a window and, outside, one might expect to see scenery indicative of the Pacific Northwest. Marucci, after all, works for the Walla Walla District, located in the state of Washington.
What a leader looks like

By Hannah Mitchell U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WALLA WALLA DISTRICT Published March 5, 2024
“What does being a leader mean to you?” This was a question posed by Lt. Col. ShaiLin KingSlack, Commander of the Walla Walla District, when she spoke to tribal students at schools in Pendleton, Oregon.
The end of a long journey: a history of Lower Granite Lock and Dam

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published Aug. 25, 2023
It was early in the morning and a steam-powered paddleboat made its way up the lower Snake River, trimmed with colored flags. The date was June 19, 1975, and the mood was festive. The vessel was heading for Lower Granite Lock and Dam, whose pool had been raised just four months prior.
Piezometers: An essential component to dam safety

By Noe Gonzalez U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District Published Aug. 3, 2023
Congress has invested $665,000 from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to install new prefabricated staircases for the safety of maintenance workers who use the staircases to inspect the condition of Luck Peak Dam.
USACE Plans Fish Survival Testing this Fall on the Second Improved Fish Passage Turbine

By Noe Gonzalez U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Published July 25, 2023
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District has started the installation process in Unit 1 for another adjustable blade turbine designed for improved fish passage. The Corps has been working diligently to decrease fish injury and improve survival rates through turbines designed for improved fish passage at Ice Harbor Lock and Dam.
Larger than life: A history of Dworshak Dam

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published July 18, 2023
In May 1948, floodwaters on the Columbia River overtopped the cofferdam where construction was underway on McNary Lock and Dam. This flood, one of the largest on record, was one of many documented in the region since the mid-1880s. The propensity for flooding in the Northwest sparked much discussion about regional flood control.
Waiting in the wings: A history of Little Goose Lock and Dam

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published June 6, 2023
By 1962, Ice Harbor Lock and Dam had been built and construction of the second lower Snake River dam, Lower Monumental, was being passed to the US Army Corps of Engineers Seattle District. The third dam in the queue was right on the heels of Lower Monumental, but construction could not begin until the details of its downstream neighbor were determined.
'We’ll cross that bridge…': A history of Lower Monumental Lock and Dam

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published May 3, 2023
Lower Monumental Lock and Dam sits on a remote stretch of the Snake River, in a landscape of wheat fields and rolling hills. The only town within a 20-minute drive is Kahlotus, Washington, six miles north, with a population of less than 200. The only major road is State Highway 261, which crosses the river at Lyons Ferry, 18 miles upriver.
First Bipartisan Infrastructure Law project is a story of success for the Walla Walla District

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published April 12, 2023
The Walla Walla District recently completed dredging work at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers near Lewiston, Idaho and downstream of Ice Harbor Dam. This is the first project the district has completed using Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds.
From water to watts: A history of Ice Harbor Lock and Dam

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published April 10, 2023
Ice Harbor Lock and Dam boasts some of the most cutting-edge hydropower technology in the world. Two advanced technology turbines currently sit in the powerhouse, with a third one on the way. These new turbines were designed to improve fish passage and generate electricity more efficiently.
A step towards navigable waters: A history of McNary Lock and Dam

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published March 20, 2023
As people moved into the Pacific Northwest, communities grew around the rivers, especially the Columbia and Snake. Back then, the rivers were temperamental and hard to navigate. However, there was a vision to create a river highway, one that would allow barges to carry cargo from the Pacific Ocean to the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers, 465 miles inland.
Guarding the Treasure Valley: A history of Lucky Peak Dam

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published Feb. 8, 2023
Every year, snowmelt from the surrounding mountains flows into creeks and streams that join the Boise River. When flows reach 7,000 cubic feet per second or higher, the river is considered at flood stage.
Through fair or foul weather: A history of the Mill Creek Project

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published Jan. 10, 2023
In 1931, a torrent of brown water roared down Mill Creek, with water levels rising at a rate of one foot per hour. The water escaped the confines of the riverbanks and rushed through the City of Walla Walla, destroying homes, roads and bridges. Born in the wake of this disastrous event, the Mill Creek Project now stands to protect the city from floods like this.
Walla Walla Temporary Power Team installs generators in the wake of Hurricane Fiona

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published Nov. 21, 2022
On September 19, the day after Hurricane Fiona made landfall near Punta Tocón, members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District Planning and Response Team (PRT) boarded a plane in Atlanta and flew to Puerto Rico. The team landed in San Juan at 8 p.m., on a mission to install generators and provide temporary emergency power to the island.
Exploring the USACE Walla Walla District: An Engineering Student’s Journey

By Noe Gonzalez Walla Walla District Corps of Engineers Published Sept. 20, 2022
“I’ve always thought that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was all about hydropower. I didn’t think there was too much to it.”
New fish ladder planned for the Mill Creek Diversion Dam

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published Sept. 7, 2022
The Mill Creek Channel is getting an update.
Uncovering the past: Mastodon jaw found on Corps land

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published Aug. 5, 2022
It was windy, and the little boat bounced on whitecaps as it crossed the Columbia River. On May 9, Walla Walla District archeologists and natural resource management staff were heading out to meet with tribal and community members to discuss an important discovery on Corps land.
The Corps Environment - May 2022 issue now available

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Published May 20, 2022
The May 2022 issue of The Corps Environment is now available! This edition features initiatives from across the Army environmental community that are protecting and preserving our environment for current and future generations.
Docks along the shoreline: The intersection of public and private property

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published April 27, 2022
For those who live along the river, the idea of having a boat dock can be attractive. However, specific laws, rules and procedures go into installing a boat dock, and it’s important to be aware of the process, especially for those living adjacent to federally managed shorelines.
4 million mouths to feed

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published April 11, 2022
Just below Dworshak Dam, on the shore of the Clearwater River, lies the Dworshak National Fish Hatchery (DNFH). The DNFH raises millions of salmon and steelhead smolts every year to be released into the river and make their way down to the ocean.
Modernizing hydropower on the Snake River

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published April 6, 2022
Hydropower, a clean, renewable and reliable energy source, just became safer for fish and more efficient at generating electricity, thanks to the new turbines at Ice Harbor Lock and Dam on the Snake River in southeast Washington.
The Corps Environment – February 2022 issue now available

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Published Feb. 28, 2022
The February 2022 edition of The Corps Environment is now available! This edition highlights fostering sustainability as a way of life, in support of Environmental Operating Principle #1and features initiatives from across the Army environmental community that are helping to shape a sustainable environment for current and future generations.
There and Back Again: A Salmon’s Tale in the Pacific Northwest

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published Feb. 1, 2022
Some fish live in freshwater streams and lakes. Other fish live in the ocean, in saltwater. Then there are salmon who do both. Salmon are anadromous, meaning they live part of their lives in freshwater and part in saltwater.
Walla Walla County and Corps partner to increase Mill Creek Channel’s safety

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published Jan. 21, 2022
In October 2018, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, in partnership with the non-federal sponsor, Walla Walla County, began a General Investigation (GI) study on the Mill Creek Flood Control Project.
Essential to the Mission

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published June 17, 2021
Volunteers are an invaluable part of the Corps of Engineers team. The Walla Walla District Corps of Engineers is responsible for thousands of acres of land in Washington, Idaho and Oregon. Proper management of those lands would not be possible without the volunteers who lend their time and abilities to the mission.
Keeping water safety a high priority

By Matthew Cole WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published June 16, 2021
Boating season is upon us, and more people are taking the opportunity for fun and leisure out on the water. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District knows that the need for vigilance and safety on the water is imperative.
From Park Aide to Park Ranger

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published May 19, 2021
For Jake Cordtz, it was never a question. The best place to work was the outside, and it was only a matter of time before he became a park ranger for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The Corps Environment - May 2021 issue now available

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Published May 6, 2021
The May 2021 edition of The Corps Environment is now available! This edition highlights protecting and preserving the environment, in support of Environmental Operating Principle #4. Content includes commentary from Col. Alicia Masson, Commander of U.S. Army Environmental Command, and highlights initiatives across the Army environmental community.
Aquatic Botany journal features biologist Damian Walter’s ERDC-U project

By Patrice Creel, Office of Research and Technology Transfer U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center Published May 5, 2021
U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Environmental Laboratory Research Biologist Dr. Nathan Harms co-authored a journal article as one of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Walla Walla District Wildlife Biologist Damien Walter’s 2019 ERDC University mentors.
Corps of Engineers partners with states in fight against invasive aquatic plants

By Dylan Peters Walla Walla District, Corps of Engineers Published March 19, 2021
Butomus umbellatus may conjure up images of a hippopotamus belly, but in reality, it is flowering rush, an aquatic invasive plant species that poses a grave threat to the Columbia River Basin’s aquatic ecosystems.
Brig. Gen. D. Peter Helmlinger speaks to Northwestern Division priorities during trip to Lucky Peak

By Hannah Mitchell Walla Walla District Corps of Engineers Published March 10, 2021
Brig. Gen. D. Peter Helmlinger, commander of the Corps’ Northwestern Division, came to Boise recently, to meet with Congressional staff, public officials and stakeholders.
Finding a place at the Corps

By Hannah Mitchell WALLA WALLA CORPS OF ENGINEERS Published March 5, 2021
Finding the perfect career isn’t easy, but for Jeannette Wilson, becoming the operations project manager (OPM) at Lower Monumental Lock and Dam was like finding gold at the end of the rainbow.
Defining Hydropower: a glimpse into the world of a power plant operator

By Hannah Mitchell Walla Walla Corps of Engineers Published Feb. 9, 2021
Power plant operators are an integral to running a dam. But what does it mean to be an operator? To gain a better understanding of the job, we interviewed three power plant operators who work at dams in the Walla Walla District: Telzey Bartley, Billie Guille and Summer Dellamater.
Divers perform inspection of Ice Harbor’s Removable Spillway Weir

By Hannah Mitchell Walla Walla District Corps of Engineers Published Feb. 9, 2021
For the Corps of Engineers, the onset of colder weather signals the beginning of dive season. While perhaps not an official season, most dive work is scheduled between November and March, when salmon runs are at their lowest. On November 17, a team of divers suited up at Ice Harbor Dam to perform the required 3-year inspection of the Removable Spillway Weir.
Veteran park ranger at Lower Granite teams up with service dog

By Hannah Mitchell Walla Walla District Corps of Engineers Published Feb. 9, 2021
“I am 10th generation to serve,” Emily Klinefelter, Park Ranger with Lower Granite Natural Resource Office, said. “My grandmother filled my head with dreams about being a sailor. She served in WWII teaching young Americans and Russians how to use the anti-aircraft guns.”
Walla Walla District cost engineers provide expertise and support to FEMA and other federal agencies

By Hannah Mitchell Walla Walla District Corps of Engineers Published Feb. 3, 2021
Natural disasters like floods and hurricanes can severely damage homes, businesses and infrastructure. Those who suffer damages in natural disasters can apply to FEMA for financial assistance. When this happens, a cost estimate is needed to determine how much money it would take to either repair or replace the structure in question.
Corps partners with Flood Control District 10 to create predictive model to manage the Boise River

By Hannah Mitchell Walla Walla District Corps of Engineers Published Jan. 15, 2021
The Corps is using the latest technology to develop tools that communities in Idaho can use to predict flooding. The technology: Two-dimensional modelling.
Improving Biodiversity in the Habitat Management Units

By Hannah Mitchell Published Nov. 6, 2020
Habitat Management Units, or HMUs, are different from other parks. While parks are maintained to provide recreational opportunities, HMUs are areas of land dedicated to environmental stewardship.
Corps repurposes native willow for habitat improvement

By Hannah Mitchell Published Oct. 15, 2020
In an effort to stabilize shorelines, protect cultural sites and improve habitat for fish and wildlife, Corps engineers, biologists and environmental scientists have repurposed native coyote willow found below the Mill Creek Diversion Dam at Rooks Park in Walla Walla.
Corps employees develop debris removal device for safer fish passage at Little Goose Dam

By Hannah Mitchell Walla Walla District Corps of Engineers Published June 25, 2020
WALLA WALLA, WA – Two Corps employees at Little Goose Lock and Dam created a device that removed debris blockages within the dam.
The Corps Environment - May 2020 issue now available

Published May 18, 2020
The Corps Environment May 2020 issue is now available. This edition highlights protecting and preserving the environment, in support of USACE's Environmental Operating Principle #4, and showcases extraordinary environmental stewardship efforts across the Army.
Army to help convert vacant buildings into hospitals as COVID-19 spreads

By Thomas Brading Published March 26, 2020
Army leaders announced plans to quickly convert unused buildings into makeshift hospitals in multiple states, starting in New York, as hospitals brace for medical shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This week, construction is set to kick off as the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan will be refitted into a 1,000-bed hospital and an additional 1,800 field medical stations, officials said. Soldiers from the New York National Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and civilian employees will prepare the medical facility, slated to begin operating in a week to 10 days. The race against the virus is “an unbelievably complicated problem” that needs a simple solution, said Lt. Gen. Todd T. Semonite, commanding general of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
20-010 Columbia and Snake river navigation locks will close March 7 for annual maintenance

Published March 5, 2020
COLUMBIA & SNAKE RIVERS, Ore. & Wash. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Portland and Walla Walla districts will close all Corps navigation locks on the Columbia and Snake rivers March 7 at 6 a. m. for regularly scheduled annual inspections, preventative maintenance and repairs.
Federal agencies release Columbia River System Operations draft environmental impact statement and preferred alternative

Columbia River System Operations EIS Published Feb. 28, 2020
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation and Bonneville Power Administration today released the Columbia River System Operations draft environmental impact statement for a 45-day public review and comment period from February 28 - April 13, 2020. The draft includes the Preferred Alternative for the operations, maintenance and configuration of the 14 federal dam and reservoir projects that comprise the Columbia River System.
New laser at McNary Dam is the latest technology for deterring birds

By Hannah Mitchell Published Nov. 15, 2019
In an effort to discourage birds from snatching up juvenile salmon below McNary Dam, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Walla Walla District has bought a laser.
Remote Operated Vehicle sent from Portland to do inspection at McNary

By Hannah Mitchell Published Nov. 7, 2019
The Columbia River was a deep shade of ocean blue, and the sky was surprisingly clear and sunny for a November afternoon. A perfect day for a dive. On top of McNary dam, on November 4, two men unloaded a large, green remote operated vehicle (ROV) from the back of their trailer. The task for the day was to send the ROV down on the upstream side of the dam to conduct an inspection.
Ruth Johnson shares noteworthy yet normal story at National Disability Awareness Month luncheon

By Bruce Henrickson Walla Walla District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Published Dec. 11, 2013
Walla Walla District purchasing agent Ruth Johnson was keynote speaker at the District’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month luncheon on Oct. 24. The theme was “Because we are EQUAL to the task.”
Corps holds multi-agency oil spill training exercise at Lower Granite Lock and Dam June 26

By Bruce Henrickson Published July 1, 2013
As part of its environmental stewardship efforts, the Walla Walla District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expanded its 2013 annual oil spill training exercise at Lower Granite Lock and Dam on the lower Snake River. Several county agencies adjacent to the Lower Granite pool participated in this exercise in the first such collaborative training effort. Training with other agencies enhances each agency’s readiness.
Mill Creek team opens new, sustainable building

Published June 10, 2013
Rainy weather couldn’t stop Mill Creek Dam and Bennington Lake’s grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony April 19 to celebrate the completion of their new office building, the Walla Walla District’s first civil works construction project built to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) sustainable-building standards.
Life jacket loaner stations can save lives, if used

By Marve Griffith,Park Ranger, Lucky Peak Dam and Lake Published May 22, 2013
Public safety is something the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) takes very seriously. From the project level up to headquarters, the Corps is constantly thinking of ways to better provide a friendly and safe experience for our visitors. The success of these innovative public safety campaigns and strategies can be seen in the reduction in fatalities on Corps projects in the past 40 years but, unfortunately, the number of fatalities has leveled off to an average of 164 per year for the past 14 years.
Start the spring season right with a boat safety check

By Sandra Hickethier Published April 8, 2013
You can outfit your boat with the required safety equipment and know how to use it.
District, LDP marching toward a more sustainable future

By Joe Saxon Published March 25, 2013
Members of Walla Walla’s Leadership Development Program (LDP) are helping the District march toward a more sustainable future.
Milestone reached: District repairs concrete spalling at Lower Monumental Lock and Dam

By Gina Baltrusch Published May 30, 2012
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District successfully repaired a concrete wall on the Lower Monumental Lock and Dam during its annual winter navigation lock outage.
Keeping an eye on Engineer Week

By Terri Rorke Published May 30, 2012
Every year Walla Walla River Valley students help the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District celebrate E-Week in February. The District held seven bridge competitions from February 19-25 at area schools.

From the Field

Regulatory Roundup

Regulatory News: Provide short updates on permits, compliance, and environmental impacts.
- Example: "New Regulatory Request System makes permit applications easy online."

Dworshak Dam

DWORSHAK RANGERS AT LUMBERJACK DAYS FESTIVAL

USACE Dworshak Park Rangers regularly take part in local festivals in Orofino, Idaho. Among these, Lumberjack Days stands out as the largest annual event, attracting loggers and visitors from across the Northwest to celebrate the forest industry and the logging lifestyle.

This year marked the 75th anniversary of Lumberjack Days, with around 5,000 attendees and the theme “Timeless Tradition.”

Park Ranger Michelle East created a captivating display that highlighted the evolution of water safety technologies, from pre-1700s innovations to modern Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs). Her creativity and cheerful demeanor earned the USACE Water Safety booth a second-place award for exhibit displays. Park Rangers Mandy Barlow and Brian Hammond also participated, promoting water safety and addressing questions about Dworshak and the USACE throughout the weekend festivities.

Above: Park Ranger Michelle East holding second place award for “timeless tradition” display.

Dworshak summer explorers camp

USACE Dworshak Natural Resource Specialists and Angela Feldman from the US Fish and Wildlife Service frequently collaborate with school groups during steelhead spawning season.

This partnership sparked the creation of a summer educational program that offered a more comprehensive experience than a typical half-day site visit. The “Dworshak Summer Explorers Camp” ran four hours each day over four consecutive days, taking place at various local sites, including Dworshak Dam, the National Fish Hatchery, and Freeman Creek Campground.

The camp featured detailed tours of the dam, powerhouse, and hatchery, alongside engaging activities such as water safety games, a botany scavenger hunt, and bug house building. In total, 24 children participated, supported by 15 adult volunteers throughout the week. The camp was a huge success and will likely continue as an annual outreach program.

USACE Park Ranger Chris Miller and USFWS Angela Feldman with Summer Explorers at final day of camp.

Ice Harbor Lock and Dam

Next-Gen turbines prove improved fish mortality.

Lucky Peak Dam

Demonstrating multipurpose value amidst ongoing firefighting efforts in the Boise Foothills.

Lower Monumental Lock and Dam

McNary Lock and Dam

Little Goose Lock and Dam

Mill Creek Project

From the HQ

Chief of Operations

This quarter we discuss

Seasonal Maintenance and Preparation
Hydropower Operations
Environmental Stewardship
Collaborations
Training and Readiness
Looking Ahead

Learn More:

Engineering & Construction

LOMO Rehabilitation
Prep for Winter
Sustainable Designs
Collaborations
Training and Development
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

PPPMD

Project Highlights and Milestones
Strategic Planning Initiatives
Program Funding and Budget Updates
Environmental and Regulatory Compliance
Project Team Spotlight
Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Support Services

Small Business
Knowledge Management
MSO Updates
Security Updates and Reminders
Emergency Preparedness
Workplace Safety
Training
Logistics
Counsel
Public Affairs
Workforce Management

CIO / G6

IT System Updates and Enhancements
Cybersecurity Awareness
Troubleshooting and Support Resources
Ongoing Projects
Tech Tools
Policies and Practices
Training

Safety

Prepare for Cold Weather
Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention
Safety in the Field
Vehicle Safety
Health and Wellness
Safety Recognition

Resource Management

Budget Overview
Cost-Saving Initiatives
Funding Opportunities
Staffing / Training Updates
Resource Allocation Stories
Key Dates and Deadlines

Learn More:

Ask The DCB:

"As someone looking to advance within the Walla Walla District, what advice does the District Corporate Board have for employees striving to climb the leadership ladder? Specifically, what qualities and experiences does the board value most in candidates for higher-level positions, and how can aspiring leaders best position themselves for these opportunities?"

01

McNary turns 70!

02

McNary turns 70!

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McNary turns 70!

Wonderful Walla Walla District,

Reinventing the Ladder: How a local engineer is making waves throughout the Division

USACE Walla Walla District celebrates Veterans Day

“I’ll keep trying;" A journey from Mexico to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

McNary turns 70!

Chasing the storm: Working with FEMA during Hurricane Beryl

Sharing the load: Partnering to keep people safe

Finding the spark: One Walla Walla native’s drive to become an electrical engineer

Walla Walla District Welcomes New Commander

USACE collaborates with City of Gooding to reduce flood risk, improve safety

Serving the Northwest from afar

What a leader looks like

The end of a long journey: a history of Lower Granite Lock and Dam

Piezometers: An essential component to dam safety

USACE Plans Fish Survival Testing this Fall on the Second Improved Fish Passage Turbine

Larger than life: A history of Dworshak Dam

Waiting in the wings: A history of Little Goose Lock and Dam

'We’ll cross that bridge…': A history of Lower Monumental Lock and Dam

First Bipartisan Infrastructure Law project is a story of success for the Walla Walla District

From water to watts: A history of Ice Harbor Lock and Dam

A step towards navigable waters: A history of McNary Lock and Dam

Guarding the Treasure Valley: A history of Lucky Peak Dam

Through fair or foul weather: A history of the Mill Creek Project

Walla Walla Temporary Power Team installs generators in the wake of Hurricane Fiona

Exploring the USACE Walla Walla District: An Engineering Student’s Journey

New fish ladder planned for the Mill Creek Diversion Dam

Uncovering the past: Mastodon jaw found on Corps land

The Corps Environment - May 2022 issue now available

Docks along the shoreline: The intersection of public and private property

4 million mouths to feed

Modernizing hydropower on the Snake River

The Corps Environment – February 2022 issue now available

There and Back Again: A Salmon’s Tale in the Pacific Northwest

Walla Walla County and Corps partner to increase Mill Creek Channel’s safety

Essential to the Mission

Keeping water safety a high priority

From Park Aide to Park Ranger

The Corps Environment - May 2021 issue now available

Aquatic Botany journal features biologist Damian Walter’s ERDC-U project

Corps of Engineers partners with states in fight against invasive aquatic plants

Brig. Gen. D. Peter Helmlinger speaks to Northwestern Division priorities during trip to Lucky Peak

Finding a place at the Corps

Defining Hydropower: a glimpse into the world of a power plant operator

Divers perform inspection of Ice Harbor’s Removable Spillway Weir

Veteran park ranger at Lower Granite teams up with service dog

Walla Walla District cost engineers provide expertise and support to FEMA and other federal agencies

Corps partners with Flood Control District 10 to create predictive model to manage the Boise River

Improving Biodiversity in the Habitat Management Units

Corps repurposes native willow for habitat improvement

Corps employees develop debris removal device for safer fish passage at Little Goose Dam

The Corps Environment - May 2020 issue now available

Army to help convert vacant buildings into hospitals as COVID-19 spreads

20-010 Columbia and Snake river navigation locks will close March 7 for annual maintenance

Federal agencies release Columbia River System Operations draft environmental impact statement and preferred alternative

New laser at McNary Dam is the latest technology for deterring birds

Remote Operated Vehicle sent from Portland to do inspection at McNary

Ruth Johnson shares noteworthy yet normal story at National Disability Awareness Month luncheon

Corps holds multi-agency oil spill training exercise at Lower Granite Lock and Dam June 26

Mill Creek team opens new, sustainable building

Life jacket loaner stations can save lives, if used

Start the spring season right with a boat safety check

District, LDP marching toward a more sustainable future

Milestone reached: District repairs concrete spalling at Lower Monumental Lock and Dam

Keeping an eye on Engineer Week

From the Field

Regulatory Roundup

Dworshak Dam

DWORSHAK RANGERS AT LUMBERJACK DAYS FESTIVAL

Dworshak summer explorers camp

Ice Harbor Lock and Dam

Next-Gen turbines prove improved fish mortality.

Lucky Peak Dam

Demonstrating multipurpose value amidst ongoing firefighting efforts in the Boise Foothills.

Lower Monumental Lock and Dam