1. Findings of Congress The Endangered Species Act is the last resort for species at risk of extinction. Under the ESA, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) is accountable to ensure that salmon and marine species are preserved for future generations.

4. Effects of Dams on Salmonids Restrict access to habitat Alter habitat Alter hydrology Alter gradient Passage hazard Creates recreational opportunities and expectations. Creates opportunities for further water development within the basin.

5. Actions called for in NMFS’ biological opinions Dam Operations Spill at Dams Flow Measures Transportation Dam Modifications Research Monitoring & Evaluation Hatcheries Habitat

8. Status of Adult Passage Successful for adult salmon, generally in the range of 98% conversion per dam. Lamprey passage success is poor Sturgeon passage is poor

12. Turbine Survival Varies by project Survival range is 85 to 100% Most projects are in the range of 90%

13. Most fish are transported 1993-2006 –60-99% of non-tagged stream-type Chinook –70-99% of non-tagged steelhead

14. Transport study results Transportation appears to benefit hatchery stream-type Chinook and steelhead Transportation does not appear to greatly benefit wild stream-type Chinook

16. Spillway Survival Spillway survival varies by project Survival range is 90 to 100% Most projects are in the upper 90% range

18. Bypass Survival Varies by project Range of survival is 90 to 100% Most projects are in the mid to upper 90% range.

20. Flow Management Program Spring Season –Yearling migrants Summer Season –Subyearling migrants

21. Spring Flow Management Largely achieved by having reservoirs operate no lower than their flood control rule curves by April 10. Rationale is it passes the freshet into the river as opposed to refilling reservoir space.

25. Basis for Managing Flow Evolutionary Considerations Recognition there was a flow/travel time relationship for juvenile salmon. Data suggesting survival benefits over the life cycle of salmon (SARs). Beneficial effects of a freshwater plume to estuary and near ocean environmental processes.

26. Flow Objectives Flow levels sought during the spring juvenile migration. Columbia River Spring: 220 – 260 kcfs depending on runoff volume Snake River Spring: 85 – 100 kcfs depending on runoff

30. Recent and Near Term Project Modifications Lower Monumental Dam RSW - 2008 Spill Wall extension at The Dalles – 2008 Ice Harbor RSW – 2005 Bonneville Corner Collector - 2004 The Dalles Spillway Wall – 2008 John Day Surface Bypass - 2008