New USSD Committee Launch!

USSD is excited to announce the launch of the Hydromechanical Committee, dedicated to advancing the engineering practice of dam appurtenant structures, with a focus on flow control devices such as gates and valves.

Our mission is to develop technical guidance, foster innovation, encourage knowledge sharing, support professional development, and build community among professionals engaged in the inspection, analysis, design, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of these critical dam components.

The first committee meeting will be held Feb 4th at 10am PT. Reach out to Kevin Gerst via LinkedIn OR email info@ussdams.org if you are interested in joining the Hydromechanical Committee today!

Board of Directors Elections

USSD members, let your voice be heard! It is time to select new individuals who will join the USSD Board of Directors. The voting window closes on March 15, 2026. All active USSD members eligible to vote have been sent an election announcement email with the details needed to access the voting portal. If you have not received your login credentials, please contact info@ussdams.org.

Find more information and view the list of candidates on our website at: 
https://www.ussdams.org/board-of-directors-elections/

What’s New on the USSD 2026 Conference Site

Our new 2026 Annual Conference & Exhibition website is live and packed with helpful, high-level information to start planning your week in Austin. Explore details on registration, location, lodging, and overall event highlights while early bird pricing is still available!

The conference schedule will be released on the website in early February. We’ll keep this eNews space updated with monthly highlights of new content as its added to the site: https://www.accelevents.com/e/2026-ussd-annual-conference-exhibition 

Upcoming Webinars & Workshops

View a full list of USSD upcoming events 

Please join us at the

2026 Annual Conference & Exhibition

Join hundreds of dam & levee professionals and experts from around the world as USSD gathers in the Live Music Capital for four days of knowledge exchange, networking, and fun!

Attendees: Register Now for Early Bird Rates 

Exhibitors: Reserve Now/View Live Map 

This year's event will feature:

• Committee Meetings that drive the future of dam safety and innovation
• 120 Technical Sessions and Six workshops designed to strengthen your skills and expertise
• A powerful Legacy of Teton Dam session reflecting on lessons that shape our industry
• Collaboration sessions to share ideas and spark solutions
• Enhanced networking opportunities to grow your professional community
• And of course—Austin-style fun with BBQ, tacos, and Texas energy!

Conference Center: Hilton Austin. 500 E 4th St., Austin, TX 78701
Location & Lodging: Open lodging webpage for a direct booking link.

INVITATION FROM ICOLD REGISTRATION NOW OPEN You are warmly invited to attend the 94th Annual Meeting and Symposium of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD), taking place May 22–29, 2026, in Guadalajara, Mexico. Hosted by the Mexican Committee on Large Dams, the event will feature high-quality technical sessions, opportunities for professional exchange, and a vibrant social program in a city celebrated for its rich culture, history, and hospitality. Link: https://www.icoldmexico2026.com/

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Call for Articles: USSD Spring 2026 Bulletin

The Dam & Levees: Bulletin of the U.S. Society on Dams is now accepting submissions for the Spring 2026 issue.

Featured articles cover dam projects, contemporary issues, & more.

📆 Deadline: Feb. 6, 2026
Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eWJF7iXh

USSD Career Center (Active Job Posts)

• Senior Dam Safety Engineer, Slate Geotechnical Consulants
  CA-based; Remote Work Option (in the US)
• Civil Engineering Manager, Tacoma Power
  City of Tacoma

Subscribe to receive job posting notifications in your inbox! Sign up on the USSD Career Center.

📣 Got big news to share? We want to hear it!

Whether you're presenting at a conference, featured in a publication, or sharing a project that supports the dam and levee community, let USSD help you spread the word!

Sharing your story is easy:
1️⃣ Collect the details: who, what, where, and when
2️⃣ Fill out a quick form
3️⃣ Hit submit! We’ll take it from there.