Posted on February 23, 2026
PORTLAND, Ore. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Portland District, is proud to announce its participation in the Oregon Chapter of the American Meteorological Society’s (AMS) event, “30th Anniversary of the February ’96 Floods.”
The commemorative event will take place at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, starting at 6 p.m.
Thirty years after one of the most devastating floods in the Pacific Northwest, USACE will join community partners to reflect on the event that reshaped the region. Experts and engineers from the Portland District will be on-hand to talk about USACE’s role in the flood.
In addition, USACE will present a short video featuring recently recorded interviews with personnel who lived through and responded to the crisis. The video will offer a unique, first-hand perspective on the immense effort required to protect communities during the historic flood.
“The Flood of ’96 was a defining moment for this region and for the Army Corps of Engineers,” said Salina Hart, Portland District Chief of Reservoir Regulation & Water Quality Section. “This anniversary is not just about looking back; it’s about sharing the lessons we’ve learned to build a more resilient future. We are honored to share our story with the community.”
The 1996 flood, caused by a combination of heavy rain and melting snow, forced thousands to evacuate, caused widespread destruction, and resulted in the loss of life. USACE, along with many partner agencies, minimized the devastation by managing water levels at its dams, repairing levees, and dredging the Columbia River navigation channel to restore vital commerce.
The free event is at OMSI, which was underwater during the flood, and the setting underscores the powerful forces of nature and the collaborative spirit required to overcome them.
More details are available on the Oregon AMS website at OregonAMS.com.
