The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District announced last week it will not perform a deep drawdown at Detroit Reservoir in the fall of 2025.
For 2025, USACE will operate Detroit Dam the same as previous years, which includes the fall reservoir drawdown and management for downstream temperature.
The National Marine Fisheries Service issued its Biological Opinion on Dec. 26, 2024. The opinion included a fall deep drawdown at Detroit Reservoir to improve passage through the dam for fish species listed under the Endangered Species Act.
Because the Corps has not analyzed the effects of a Detroit Reservoir deep drawdown, the agency has decided to gather public input and complete a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement in early 2026, which will result in a long-term decision for 2026 and beyond.
To see a more comprehensive report on the situation, visit www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/oregon/2025/04/04/detroit-lake-deep-drawdown-delayed-until-2026/82785919007.