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Snake River Flows Downstream of Hells Canyon Dam to Vary Again by Staff Idaho Statesman, December 12, 2010

Fluctuating flows on the Snake River below Idaho Power's Hells Canyon Dam are scheduled to resume Monday.

The flows of water through the dam have been held at a stable rate since Oct. 11 to help spawning Chinook salmon. Hells Canyon Dam outflow was held to a minimum of about 8,500 cubic feet per second to help protect incubating Chinook embryos. Recent overflights by biologists with Idaho Power and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined that fall spawning is complete.

The flows will now vary in response to demand for power from the hydroelectric plant, the company said. That will affect downstream recreational users.

A final count of salmon nests, called redds, was not immediately available. Idaho Power biologists said the program appears to be successful and more specific findings will be released in coming weeks.