We value keeping up with the latest information and science on hydropower, energy and environmental issues. There are many factors to consider when looking at the challenges our rivers face, and they change rapidly. 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, salmon, our grid, and more.
Important Materials
Below, you’ll find a combination of fact sheets and materials, studies from independent research firms, 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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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
Key Sources
The sources found here represent the best data and authoritative sources on topics that range from Northwest hydropower and renewable energy to environmental issues, including salmon recovery. Not only is transparency important to our work, we also want to ensure these resources are available and easily located by anyone interested in researching these issues for themselves.
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Regional History
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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
- KGW – Will there be enough electricity when coal plants shut down?
- NWPCC – BPA Electricity
- NWPCC – Power Supply
- PNAS – Tracking emissions in the US electricity system
- Washington Grain Commission – 2023-2024 Wheat Facts
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Regional Power Supply & Resource Adequacy
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Salmon Recovery
- Map of Columbia/Snake River System
- Fish and Fisheries – A synthesis of the coast-wide decline in survival of West Coast Chinook Salmon
- Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences – Estimates of Chinook Salmon Consumption by Marine Mammal Predators
- 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
- American Fisheries Society – Cumulative Affects of Avian Predation on Upper Columbia Steelhead
- WDFW Washington State Fish Passage Map
- 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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2024 January Storm
More to come, stay tuned!
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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
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