A report that returning salmon would not fare that well – this year in the Columbia/Okanagan system.
We contacted the Okanagan Nation Alliance fisheries department.
385,000 to Bonneville Dam, we estimate about 225k to Wells Dam and depending on survival 80-120,000 on the spawning grounds.
So far the flows below McNary Dam (292 miles from the mouth of the Columbia) are above average but not as extreme as 2015 migration year.
There will likely be a thermal barrier in the Okanagan River soon also.
Howie Wright, MSc.
Fisheries Program Manager
Okanagan Nation Alliance