The Pacific Northwest has seen below-normal snow this season — and new research from Portland State University suggests that the region's snowmelt-dependent water resources could face growing challenges in the years ahead as forest fires and winter rainstorms become more frequent.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, will host two virtual public information sessions on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, to discuss proactive safety measures being implemented at Hills Creek Dam in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

The enormous power and water use forecasted at the over 100 data centers at various stages of development in 12 counties along the Columbia River will strain Oregon and Washington state mandates to achieve their aggressive renewable energy goals as well as put a strain on local water resources and threaten fish and wildlife, according to a recent report by Columbia Riverkeeper.

A warm and mostly dry January has depleted most of the lower level snowpack around the Columbia River basin, with record low or near record low snowpack in the Oregon and southern Washington Cascade Mountains, a condition that could contribute to lower stream flows that will be needed for salmon and steelhead migrations this spring and summer.

Washington Ecology Department Announces $40 Million Available In Grants For Streamflow Restoration

The use of artificial beaver dams to replicate the ecological benefits created by the industrious rodents shows promise for offsetting damage to fish habitat, water quality, and biodiversity arising from climate change.

Floating solar panels are emerging as a promising clean energy solution with environmental benefits, but a new study finds those effects vary significantly depending on where the systems are deployed.