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Economic and dam related articles

Increased Spring Spill Underway at
Four Lower Snake River Dams

by Evan Ellis
Daily Fly, April 8, 2026

Water pours through the Ice Harbor Dam on the Snake River east of Pasco. It is one of four lower Snake River dams covered in an environmental review that will look at whether removing the dams is the best option to improve salmon runs. PULLMAN, WA -- Annual spring spill over the Four Lower Snake River Dams in Southeastern Washington is underway.

A recent federal court order is requiring increased spill this season. The annual action helps move young salmon and steelhead migrate downriver. The water that's spilled over the top of the dams is diverted away from the turbines for power generation. Spring spill began last week.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is alerting river users to be cautious of faster currents and high water levels below the dams.

Related Pages:
Federal Spill Order Raises Concerns Over Northwest Power Costs by Staff, Daily Fly, 4/2/26
'Dire Situation These Species are Facing:' Court OKs Partial Approval of Injunction by Staff, Columbia Basin Bulletin, 2/27/26


Evan Ellis
Increased Spring Spill Underway at Four Lower Snake River Dams
Daily Fly, April 8, 2026

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