U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials are seeking public comments on the draft supplemental environmental assessment for the proposed update to Mud Mountain Dam’s Water Control Manual. USACE is poised to finalize the water control manual in October 2026, ahead of the 2026-2027 winter flood season.

For the past four years, Kyle Comanor has managed water flows at dams near and within the greater Seattle area. In his role as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Seattle District’s senior water manager for western Washington, communicating with other agencies, especially those who forecast, is critical in making water management decisions that positively impact recreational water use, flood risk reduction and public safety.

Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District will host an open house Sept. 1 in Auburn, Washington to inform the public about the district’s efforts to update Mud Mountain Dam’s Water Control Manual.

During one of western Washington's most significant flood events in recent history in December 2025, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood risk management dams, water managers and emergency response operations helped reduce flood risk across the Puget Sound region by holding back peak flows, protecting communities, and helping prevent an estimated $8.7 billion in potential flood damages.

Map illustration showing where the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District will oversee maintenance dredging in Willapa Bay, Wash., starting as early as July 16, 2026.