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Flows Adjusted for Chinook Salmon by Staff Idaho Mountain Express, October 10, 2014

For the past 22 years, Idaho Power has managed flows below Hells Canyon Dam to provide stable conditions for spawning fall chinook salmon.

In 1991, Idaho Power counted a total of 55 chinook salmon nests, or redds, in the survey area. Last year, the number of redds surveyed topped 5,900.

The salmon have been making their way back from the Pacific Ocean over the past several weeks and are starting to arrive in Hells Canyon. Now, the minimum flow level set below Hells Canyon is maintained until the fish emerge as "fry" in late spring or early summer. This helps ensure the redds remain underwater from spawning through fry emergence.

Boaters on the lower Snake River are advised these changes could affect flows at Lime Point, and boaters are encouraged to be aware of changing river conditions.

More information is available on Idaho Power's website at www.idahopower.com/ourenvironment">.