We value keeping up with the latest information and science on hydropower and salmon. There are many factors to consider when looking at the issues our rivers face, and they change at a rapid pace. By relying on trustworthy sources, it is our belief that we can strike a balance among all sides that achieves the best possible outcome for the resource. Below you will find links to fact sheets, files, and websites that offer great information on the hydropower system and salmon.
Our Materials
Below, you’ll find a combination of fact sheets and materials we’ve produced, studies from independent research firms to conduct, and public comments with referenced sources. These materials are essential to being able to help educate the public and policymakers about the benefits of our hydropower system.
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Fact Sheets
2022 Northwest RiverPartners Fast Facts Download Now
Our annual Fast Facts provide readily available information on a variety of the topics we work with. Available in digital format, this fact sheet is an excellent resource to study up on or have on hand to provide to those seeking to learn more about Northwest hydro.
Lower Snake River Dam Fast Facts Download Now
This one-page digital flier provides a brief, Fast Facts style format covering the lower Snake River dams. Included topics range from salmon, to the value of the dams, and the consequences of breaching them according to the 2020 CRSO EIS.
Salmon of the Snake River Download Now
An examination of the threats to endangered and threatened salmon in the Pacific Northwest, particularly the four populations listed for the Snake River. This fact sheet also addresses claims made about the impact of the lower Snake River dams on these fish.
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Studies & White Papers
Bonneville Power Administration’s Lower Snake River Dams Replacement Study Download Now
E3 was contracted by the Bonneville Power Administration to conduct an independent study of the value of the lower Snake River dams to the Northwest power system.
Lower Snake River Dams Power Supply Replacement Analysis Download Now
This study prepared by Energy GPS Consulting evaluates the power supply-related financial and CO2 emissions impacts of breaching the four Federal dams on the lower Snake River.
Regional & National Impacts Triggered by Breaching Lower Snake River DamsDownload Now
A study by FCS Group, commissioned by the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, examining the impact of lower Snake River dam breaching from a transportation perspective.
An Examination of Northwest Energy Coalition February 2022 White Paper on Replacing the Lower Snake River Dams Download Now
We have prepared the following analysis of the Northwest Energy Coalition February 2022 white paper to support science-based solutions that drive good public policy.
Dollars & Sense: Addressing False Assumptions about the Energy & Economics of the Lower Snake Dams Download Now
Federal reports show the lower Snake River dams are some of the most cost effective dams in the Federal Columbia River Power System. However, some anti-dam advocates repeatedly claim the dams lose money and are unnecessary. This white paper examines those assumptions and conclusions.
Dollars & Sense II: An Examination of Reservoir Methane Claims Download Now
Energy experts indicate that existing hydroelectric projects have among the lowest carbon footprint of any electric generating resource. However, some anti-dam advocates claim the lower Snake River dams are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions compared to other energy resources. This white paper examines those assumptions and conclusions.
EnergyGPS Review of the 2018 NWEC Lower Snake River Dams Power Replacement Study Download Now
In April of 2018, the Northwest Energy Coalition released the Lower Snake River Dams Power Replacement Study. After release, Northwest RiverPartners contracted Energy GPS to evaluate the reasonableness of the study’s findings and conclusions.
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Public Comment Submissions
Northwest RiverPartners Murray-Inslee Stakeholder Process Comments Download Now
Northwest RiverPartners CRSO DEIS Written Comments Download Now
Northwest RiverPartners EPA Total Maximum Daily Load for Temperature in the Columbia and Lower Snake Rivers Comments Download Now
Our Sources
The sources found here represent the best available science on topics that range from Northwest hydropower and renewable energy to environmental issues that include salmon recovery and the endangered Southern Resident orca population that feed on them. We believe in transparency and want to make sure everyone has access to the same information we rely on.
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2020 CRSO EIS Process
- CRSO Final EIS Executive Summary
- NOAA 2020 CRS Biological Opinion
- NWRP CRSO DEIS Final Written Comments
- Lower Snake River Dams Stakeholder Engagement Report
- CRSO DEIS Executive Summary
- CRSO Overview
- CRSO Documents
- Hydropower – Flexibility and Project Statistics
- Fish and Wildlife – Operations, Predation, and Habitat Improvements
- Fish and Wildlife – Survival and System Travel Time
- NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service – 2019 Biological Opinion
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History of Salmon & Hydro
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Northwest Hydroelectricity
- Bureau of Reclamation & USACE – 2019 State of the Infrastructure
- BPA – Snake Dams Fact Sheet 2016
- NRU & PPC – Lower Snake River Dams Fact Sheet
- Chelan PUD / National Hydro Association – Reinvigorating Hydropower
- Corps of Engineers – Methane Gas Emissions at Dams
- KGW – Will there be enough electricity when coal plants shut down?
- NWPCC – BPA Electricity
- NWPCC – Power Supply
- Oregon Department of Energy – 2018 Biennial Energy Report
- PNAS – Tracking emissions in the US electricity system
- Washington Grain Commission – 2021-2022 Wheat Facts
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Regional Power Supply & Resource Adequacy
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Salmon
- Fish and Fisheries – A synthesis of the coast-wide decline in survival of West Coast Chinook Salmon
- Salmon Lifecycle
- Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences – Estimates of Chinook Salmon Consumption by Marine Mammal Predators
- Kintama Research – Columbia River Spring-Summer Chinook Studies Visual
- Kintama Research – Rethinking Strategies for Increasing Salmon Survival: What Do the Data Say?
- Nature – Climate change threatens Chinook salmon throughout their life cycle
- NOAA Fisheries – Fish Size Affects Snake River Salmon Returns More than Route Through Dams
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences – Ocean and Dam Influences on Salmon Survival
- PLOS Biology – Rethinking Dams: Pacific Salmon Recovery May Rest on Other Factors
- American Fisheries Society – Cumulative Affects of Avian Predation on Upper Columbia Steelhead
- WDFW Washington State Fish Passage Map
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Investments in Salmon Recovery
- River of Money – Spending for fish and wildlife over time
- BPA – Fish and Wildlife Investments 2015
- NWPCC – 2018 Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program Costs Report
- 2016 Comprehensive Evaluation of FCRPS Salmon Progress
- Federal Agencies – Citizen’s Guide to the 2016 Comprehensive Evaluation
- 2014-2018 Implementation Plan for the FCRPS Biological Opinion
- Corps of Engineers Info on Spillway Weirs
- Corps of Engineers – Cooling Water for Fish Passage with Snake River Dams
- WSDOT – Fish Passage Projects
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Southern Resident Killer Whales
- EPA – Southern Resident Killer Whales
- NOAA Fisheries – Southern Resident Killer Whales and Snake River Dams
- NOAA Fisheries – Southern Resident Killer Whales and West Coast Chinook Salmon
- NOAA, NMFS, NWFSC – Exposure to a Mixture of Toxic Chemicals
- PLOS One – Seasonal diet of Southern Resident killer whales
- PNAS – Resurgence of an apex marine predator and the decline in prey body size
- Port of Vancouver – Estimating the effects of noise from commercial vessels and whale watch boats on Southern Resident Killer Whales
Other Resources
The organizations and federal agencies listed below are true subject matter experts on the issues we cover. If you still find yourself with unanswered questions after reviewing the materials and links found on this page, we encourage you to visit some of the pages listed here to learn more.
Bonneville Power Administration
BPA and its partners operate the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS). Financed through the rates of northwest electric customers, BPA markets electricity, and works to protect and enhance environmental, fish, and wildlife values while keeping electric infrastructure maintained and reliable.
Www.Bpa.Gov
Columbia River DART (Data Access in Real Time)
Purpose is to provide accurate anadromous juvenile and adult fish counts at the Columbia and Snake River dams.
Www.Cbr.Washington.Edu/Dart
NW Power and Conservation Council
To ensure, with public participation, an affordable and reliable energy system while enhancing fish and wildlife in the Columbia River Basin. Was the original creator of, and every 5 years amends, the Federal Columbia River Power System’s Fish and Wildlife Program.
Www.Nwcouncil.Org
The Federal Caucus
Ten federal agencies working for endangered salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River Basin. Their website offers current and historic information on the work of the Caucus to recover ESA-Listed Columbia/Snake River Basin salmon and steelhead.
Www.Salmonrecovery.Gov
US Army Corps of Engineers
Seeks to ensure that USACE owned and operated dams do not present unacceptable risks to people, property, or the environment, with the emphasis on people. Northwest focus on flood risk management, dam safety, dredging for navigation, and river recreation.
Www.Usace.Army.Mil