Dams
Latest Stories
Pressure builds on Army Corps to produce years-late reports on Willamette River Basin dams
New federal study shows dams harming endangered salmon as Congress pushed for action.
Fish biologists collaborate to track pioneering Klamath River salmon
Chinook salmon are spawning in streams above four former dam sites on the Klamath River in numbers that are astounding biologists. Now, a network of tribes, agencies, university researchers, and conservation groups is working together to track the fish as they explore the newly opened habitat.
Hydropower expected to increase throughout the U.S., but climate change could affect how — and when — we use it
A study suggests the Pacific Northwest could see an increase in hydropower production but climate change could shift how and when that energy is used.
Science & Environment
Effort to tear down Eastern Oregon dam nears finish line after 40 years
Tribal project aims to restore 300 miles of waterway across the region
Toxic algal bloom found on the Snake River for 2nd year in a row
Water sampling on Aug. 12 revealed a large algal bloom near Granite Point, also known as Granite Rock, on the Snake River.
Removal of dams on the Klamath River nears completion
A new landscape and river are emerging in the Klamath Basin.
Think Out Loud
The dangers of low-head dams in the Willamette River
We'll hear from a Register-Guard reporter about the low-profile dams that can trap recreators in the water.
Federal leaders knew Northwest dams would hurt Native communities — and they approved
In government documents from the 1940s and 1950s, obtained by OPB and ProPublica, officials openly discussed what they called “the Indian problem” on the Columbia River. At times, they characterized the destruction of the last major tribal fishery as a benefit of dam construction.
Tribes celebrate release of hatchery-bred coho and Chinook into Klamath River
By the end of the week, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife will have released 90,000 yearling coho as well as 400,000 Chinook salmon fry into the Klamath River.
Power generated from Northwest dams fell last year to lowest level in two decades
Hydropower generated for electricity from Oregon and Washington dams fell to historically low levels last year, and experts expect it could drop further by year’s end.