Author(s): Pete Dickerson

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: Columbia River Treaty; Flood Risk Management; Columbia River Basin; Hydropower; Ecosystem Function

Abstract: The river headwaters of the Columbia River originate in British Columbia and ultimately enter the Pacific Ocean near Astoria, Oregon (1,214 miles). About 15% of the basin is in Canada, and 35% of the average annual flow comes from Canada (as measured at The Dalles, Oregon). Historically, the largest flood run-offs occur in the spring, primarily driven by snowmelt. The basin has the most hydropower capacity, ~37 GW, in North America. U.S. federal projects are authorized to meet multiple purposes: flood risk, hydropower, fish and wildlife, navigation, irrigation, recreation, and municipal and water supply.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15142/T3PC70

Year: 2016