UPDATE: USACE Seattle District critical infrastructures open during government shutdown

U.S. government officials announced that the federal government shut down Oct. 1, due to a lapse in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2026. This shutdown affects various government operations across the nation, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Seattle District. 

“We are assessing the shutdown’s full impacts and will keep the public informed as the situation evolves,” said Col. Kathryn Sanborn, Seattle District Commander. “Our top priority is the continued safe operation of our infrastructure and will continue to carry out mission-critical activities that directly support national security and the economy, including the operation and maintenance of locks, dams, hydropower facilities and waterborne navigation systems.”

Critical activities, including maintaining flood control infrastructure, operating hydroelectric dams, and ensuring safe vessel navigation, will continue without interruption. All dams and locks will operate normally, ensuring these vital systems remain safe and stable. 

USACE leadership is actively monitoring the actions of Congress regarding the approval or continuation of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations. We are committed to maintaining compliance with federal guidelines and ensuring the essential services are prioritized during this period of uncertainty.

The following list is the status of all Seattle District operational and recreational sites within our civil works and Natural Resource Management programs:

Washington

1.  Lake Washington Ship Canal (Hiram M. Chittenden Locks), Seattle (UPDATED, Oct. 29, 2025)
   • • The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks Visitor Center and Fish Ladder Viewing Room and South Bathroom will be CLOSED until further notice beginning Sunday, November 2, 2025.
     • Lock operations will continue normally for pedestrian and vessel traffic.
     • The Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden will remain open during normal hours, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
     • Access and hours may be subject to change depending on funding and resources.
2. Howard A. Hanson Dam, King County
   • Dam operations for water management and flood risk reduction are unaffected.
3. Mud Mountain Dam, Enumclaw
   • Dam operations are unaffected.
   • The recreational park and shelters will remain open during normal business hours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday–Friday.
4. Chief Joseph Dam, Bridgeport
   • Dam operations and hydropower generation are unaffected.
   • USACE-managed recreational areas around Rufus Woods Lake will remain open during normal hours until further notice.

Idaho

1. Albeni Falls Dam, Oldtown
   • Dam operations for flood risk management, water management, and hydropower generation are unaffected.
   • All USACE-managed recreational sites have already closed for the season.

Montana

1. Libby Dam, Libby
   • Dam operations for flood risk management and hydropower generation are unaffected.
   • USACE-managed recreational areas will remain open to the public during normal hours until further notice.

Future updates will be provided if conditions change via a banner on the Seattle District website home page.