Analysis of Water Flow Problems in the Hells Canyon Reach of the Snake River

A series of three hydroelectric projects owned by one power company iust upstream from Hells Canyon on the Snake River between Idaho and Oregon have been in competition with other water users in the river, both upstream and downstream. Upstream, extensive irrigated agriculture has developed, which has resulted in large reductions in the streamflow reaching the dams. Downstream, higher levels of streamflow are sought to benefit navigation, recreation, and fish and wildlife habitat. The power company's desire to retain water in storage, releasing lower flows, is in conflict with the other users' desires to have the downstream releases increased. Projections by the Idaho Water Resource Board indicate further expansion is likely in the amount of irrigated land upstream, promising greater reduction in the flows to the hydroelectric projects and more acute conflict over the levels of the power releases to Hells Canyon