4.2 Columbia River

The Columbia River, a vital artery of the Pacific Northwest, has shaped Washington State's geography, history, and economy for millennia. Spanning 1,243 miles from British Columbia to the Pacific Ocean, this mighty river has influenced everything from Native American settlements to modern industrial development.

From its role in the Lewis and Clark expedition to its current status as a major source of hydroelectric power, the Columbia River continues to be central to Washington's identity. Its dams, while controversial, provide irrigation for agriculture and support commercial fishing, showcasing the complex balance between economic progress and environmental conservation.

Geography of Columbia River

• Spans 1,243 miles from British Columbia to the Pacific Ocean, shaping the landscape of the Pacific Northwest
• Drains an area roughly the size of France, influencing Washington State's geography, climate, and ecosystems
• Plays a crucial role in Washington's history, from Native American settlements to modern industrial development

River source and course

Top images from around the web for River source and course

• 

  Lesson 1: Washington – Our Land – Washington State History (Transitional Learning) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Columbia River - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Columbia River - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Lesson 1: Washington – Our Land – Washington State History (Transitional Learning) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Columbia River - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for River source and course

• 

  Lesson 1: Washington – Our Land – Washington State History (Transitional Learning) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Columbia River - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Columbia River - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Lesson 1: Washington – Our Land – Washington State History (Transitional Learning) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Columbia River - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Originates in Columbia Lake in the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, Canada
• Flows northwest and then south into Washington State, forming part of the border with Oregon
• Empties into the Pacific Ocean near Astoria, Oregon, creating a vast estuary
• Drops over 2,600 feet in elevation from source to mouth, resulting in numerous rapids and waterfalls

Major tributaries

• Snake River joins near Tri-Cities, Washington, doubling the Columbia's flow
• Willamette River merges near Portland, Oregon, contributing significant water volume
• Kootenay, Pend Oreille, and Spokane rivers add to the Columbia's watershed in Washington
• Cowlitz River enters near Longview, Washington, draining the western Cascade Range

Columbia River Gorge

• Stretches for over 80 miles along the Washington-Oregon border
• Formed by ancient lava flows and catastrophic ice age floods (Missoula Floods)
• Features dramatic cliffs rising up to 4,000 feet above the river
• Serves as a natural wind tunnel, creating ideal conditions for windsurfing and kiteboarding

Historical significance

• Columbia River has shaped Washington State's development for thousands of years
• Played a central role in the exploration and settlement of the Pacific Northwest
• Continues to influence the state's economy, culture, and environmental policies

Native American settlements

• Inhabited by various tribes for over 10,000 years, including the Chinook, Nez Perce, and Yakama
• Celilo Falls served as a major fishing and trading site for numerous tribes
• Native communities developed sophisticated fishing techniques (fish wheels, platforms)
• River provided transportation routes and facilitated intertribal trade and cultural exchange

Lewis and Clark expedition

• Reached the Columbia River in October 1805 during their westward journey
• Encountered numerous rapids and waterfalls, requiring difficult portages
• Documented the abundant salmon runs and diverse Native American cultures
• Camped at the river's mouth for the winter of 1805-1806 at Fort Clatsop

Fur trade era

• Hudson's Bay Company established Fort Vancouver in 1824 as a major trading post
• River served as a vital transportation route for fur traders and trappers
• Native Americans played a crucial role in the fur trade economy
• Competition between British and American fur companies influenced territorial claims

Economic importance

• Columbia River serves as an economic lifeline for Washington State and the Pacific Northwest
• Supports multiple industries and provides essential resources for the region's growth
• Continues to be a source of both economic opportunities and environmental challenges

Hydroelectric power generation

• Grand Coulee Dam produces over 6,800 megawatts, powering millions of homes
• Bonneville Dam, completed in 1938, was the first federal dam on the Columbia
• Inexpensive electricity attracted aluminum smelters and other industries to the region
• Washington State derives over 60% of its electricity from hydropower, largely from Columbia River dams

Irrigation for agriculture

• Columbia Basin Project irrigates over 670,000 acres of farmland in central Washington
• Transformed arid lands into productive agricultural areas (apples, wheat, potatoes)
• Grand Coulee Dam's pumping plant lifts water 280 feet to feed the irrigation system
• Supports Washington's $10+ billion agricultural industry, a major contributor to the state economy

Commercial fishing industry

• Once supported massive salmon runs, with annual catches exceeding 40 million pounds
• Native American tribes held treaty rights to fish at their "usual and accustomed" places
• Overfishing and habitat destruction led to significant declines in salmon populations
• Modern fishing industry focuses on sustainable practices and hatchery-raised fish

Environmental concerns

• Columbia River faces numerous environmental challenges due to human activities
• Balancing economic development with ecosystem preservation remains a key issue
• Washington State has implemented various policies to address these environmental concerns

Salmon population decline

• Dam construction blocked access to over 55% of spawning habitat in the Columbia Basin
• Overfishing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries depleted salmon stocks
• Habitat loss due to logging, agriculture, and urban development further impacted populations
• Some salmon species (Snake River sockeye) listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act

Dam impacts on ecosystem

• Altered river flow patterns, affecting natural flood cycles and sediment transport
• Created barriers to fish migration, particularly for anadromous species like salmon
• Increased water temperatures in reservoirs, potentially harmful to cold-water fish species
• Changed riverine habitats to lacustrine environments, impacting native species

Water pollution issues

• Industrial discharges and agricultural runoff introduce contaminants into the river
• Hanford Nuclear Reservation, located along the Columbia, poses ongoing cleanup challenges
• Urban development contributes to stormwater pollution and increased water temperatures
• Microplastics and emerging contaminants (pharmaceuticals) present new threats to water quality

Columbia River Treaty

• International agreement between the United States and Canada governing the Columbia River
• Significantly impacts water management and power generation in Washington State
• Current renegotiation efforts aim to address modern concerns and Native American rights

Agreement with Canada

• Signed in 1961 and implemented in 1964, focusing on flood control and power generation
• Required Canada to build three large storage dams (Duncan, Keenleyside, Mica)
• United States paid Canada $64.4 million for 60 years of flood control benefits
• Established the Canadian Entitlement, sharing downstream power benefits with Canada

Water management provisions

• Coordinated operation of dams to maximize flood control and power generation
• Created 15.5 million acre-feet of additional water storage in Canada
• Allowed for improved flow regulation, benefiting both countries
• Established a system of Assured Annual Flood Control through 2024

Treaty renegotiation efforts

• Original treaty has no expiration date but allows for termination or modification after 2024
• Both countries began reviewing the treaty in 2010 to address modern concerns
• Key issues include ecosystem management, climate change adaptation, and tribal rights
• Negotiations aim to balance flood risk management, hydropower, and environmental protection

Recreation and tourism

• Columbia River offers diverse recreational opportunities, contributing to Washington's tourism industry
• Scenic beauty and outdoor activities attract visitors from around the world
• River-based tourism plays a significant role in local economies along the Columbia

Water sports activities

• Windsurfing and kiteboarding in the Columbia River Gorge draw international enthusiasts
• Fishing for salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon remains popular despite declining fish populations
• Whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities in tributaries and select sections of the main stem
• Boating and water skiing on reservoirs created by dams (Lake Roosevelt behind Grand Coulee Dam)

Scenic attractions

• Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area protects 292,500 acres along the river
• Numerous waterfalls, including the 611-foot Multnomah Falls, attract millions of visitors annually
• Vista House at Crown Point offers panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge
• Washington State Parks along the river provide camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities

River cruise industry

• Growing sector offering multi-day trips along the Columbia and Snake Rivers
• Cruises often focus on Lewis and Clark history, wine country, and Native American culture
• Port cities like Vancouver and Richland benefit from cruise ship stops
• Contributes to local economies through tourism spending and job creation

Cultural impact

• Columbia River has profoundly influenced the cultural identity of Washington State
• Continues to shape artistic expression, literature, and regional traditions
• Remains central to ongoing discussions about environmental stewardship and cultural preservation

Native American traditions

• River plays a central role in creation stories and spiritual beliefs of many tribes
• First Salmon Ceremony honors the return of salmon and emphasizes conservation
• Traditional fishing methods and locations remain culturally significant
• Ongoing efforts to preserve language, art forms, and cultural practices tied to the river

Literature and art inspiration

• Inspired works by authors like Sherman Alexie and Craig Lesley
• Woody Guthrie's "Roll On, Columbia" celebrates the river and its dams
• Landscape painters (Albert Bierstadt) captured the dramatic scenery of the Columbia River Gorge
• Contemporary artists continue to explore themes of environmental change and cultural identity

Modern cultural significance

• Columbia River serves as a symbol of regional identity for Washington State residents
• Debates over dam removal and salmon restoration reflect evolving cultural values
• River-related festivals and events (Wenatchee River Salmon Festival) celebrate local heritage
• Educational programs and interpretive centers promote understanding of river ecology and history

Columbia River dams

• Dramatically altered the river's flow and ecosystem since the 1930s
• Provide multiple benefits including power generation, flood control, and navigation
• Remain controversial due to their environmental impacts and effects on Native American tribes

Major dam projects

• Grand Coulee Dam, completed in 1942, is the largest concrete structure in North America
• Bonneville Dam, finished in 1938, was the first federal dam on the Columbia
• Chief Joseph Dam, the second largest hydropower producer in the U.S., completed in 1955
• The Dalles Dam, controversial for flooding Celilo Falls, began operation in 1957

Hydropower production

• Columbia River dams generate over 44% of total U.S. hydroelectric power
• Grand Coulee Dam alone can produce up to 6,809 megawatts of electricity
• Inexpensive hydropower attracted energy-intensive industries to the Pacific Northwest
• Provides a flexible, renewable energy source to balance intermittent wind and solar power

Navigation improvements

• Series of locks allow river traffic to navigate 465 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean
• Bonneville Lock and Dam's navigation lock is 86 feet wide and 675 feet long
• Dredging operations maintain a 43-foot deep shipping channel to Portland, Oregon
• Facilitates transportation of agricultural products, timber, and other goods to international markets

Climate change effects

• Columbia River Basin experiencing rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns
• Impacts on water resources pose challenges for agriculture, hydropower, and ecosystems
• Washington State developing strategies to adapt to changing river conditions

Altered river flow patterns

• Earlier spring snowmelt shifting peak river flows to earlier in the year
• Reduced summer flows impacting water availability for irrigation and fish habitat
• Increased winter flows potentially exceeding flood control capacity of existing dams
• Changes in timing and volume of flows affecting hydropower generation schedules

Impacts on water resources

• Warmer water temperatures stressing cold-water fish species like salmon
• Reduced snowpack in Cascade and Rocky Mountains decreasing natural water storage
• Increased evaporation from reservoirs and irrigated fields reducing water availability
• Potential for more frequent and intense droughts affecting agriculture and municipal water supplies

Adaptation strategies

• Modifying dam operations to better accommodate changing flow patterns
• Improving water conservation and efficiency in agriculture and urban areas
• Enhancing floodplain management to reduce flood risks and improve habitat
• Exploring alternative water storage options, including aquifer recharge projects

Conservation efforts

• Numerous initiatives aim to address environmental challenges facing the Columbia River
• Collaboration between federal agencies, state governments, tribes, and non-profit organizations
• Focus on balancing human needs with ecosystem health and species preservation

Habitat restoration projects

• Estuary Partnership working to restore tidal wetlands in the lower Columbia River
• Removal of small dams on tributaries to improve fish passage and habitat connectivity
• Riparian zone restoration to reduce erosion and improve water quality
• Creation of side channels and off-channel habitats to support juvenile salmon rearing

Fish passage improvements

• Installation of fish ladders and bypass systems at major dams
• Trap-and-haul operations to transport fish around impassable dams
• Spill programs to aid downstream migration of juvenile salmon
• Research into innovative fish passage technologies (Whooshh Innovations' "Salmon Cannon")

Water quality initiatives

• Implementation of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) to address specific pollutants
• Efforts to reduce agricultural runoff through improved farming practices
• Stormwater management improvements in urban areas to reduce pollution
• Ongoing cleanup of contaminated sites, including the Hanford Nuclear Reservation