CRITFC presents the 2002 River Operations Plan (Plan) for the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS), the Hells Canyon Complex (FERC No. 1971) and the Priest Rapids Project (FERC No. 2114). The Plan contains recommendations for decision making, dam operations, including flows, reservoir elevations, spill and fish facility operations. Each of the recommended actions will contribute to increased mainstem salmon protection.

In 2001, the region experienced alarming conditions for anadromous fish passage and survival. River operations for salmon were worse than 1977. Salmon and steelhead losses were significant. Power peaking in the Mid-Columbia exacerbated the effects of the low flow year.

The Plan contains bi-weekly flow and reservoir recommendations at various index points in the Basin. The summer spill recommendations of the Plan extend spill to all federal dams except Lower Monumental. The Plan’s summer spill programs are more comprehensive than those in the NMFS 2000 FCRPS Biological Opinion. The Plan also contains specific recommendations and guidelines for power peaking, water temperature criteria to meet Clean Water Act standards, water management during the treaty fisheries, fish facility operations and mainstem research.

Given the extreme salmon losses in 2001, it is vital that measures in the 2002 CRITFC River Operations Plan, which have not been foreclosed, should be fully implemented. The Commission urges the federal Government, Idaho Power Company, and the Mid-Columbia Public Utility Districts to cooperate in implementing the recommendations in this Plan.