05/07/2026
Join the North Santiam Historical Society for an engaging look at our region’s past!
From Deluge to Defense: The History of Flood Management in the Willamette Valley
U.S. Army Corps Archaeologist Carley Smith will share the fascinating story of flood management in the Willamette Valley and how it has shaped the communities we know today.
The Willamette River has long been at the heart of the valley’s social and economic life, but it has also brought devastating floods throughout history. In response to growing communities and the repeated threat of flooding, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers developed the Willamette Valley Project—a network of 13 dams and reservoirs built primarily after World War II to help protect the region.
This remarkable system has played a major role in reducing flood damage, saving an estimated one billion dollars annually. Carley will also discuss how historic flood events shaped the valley, the engineering efforts created to protect it, and the ongoing challenge of balancing flood control with the needs of local communities and the environment.
Come enjoy an informative and thought-provoking presentation about the history, resilience, and future of the Willamette Valley. Everyone is welcome!
