Fish Survival Simulation Model

Today's hydroelectric utilities must make many decisions about projects to meet the obligations in their license to operate their dams. The Chelan Public Utility District owns and operates 3 dams in the mid-Columbia region of Washington State. They are faced with technology investment and habitat management decisions which have varying impact on dam operations to meet the performance objectives in their Habitat Conservation Plans.

Sapere developed a system dynamics model that provided an easy to use tool for evaluating these decisions. Different system conditions can be quickly evaluated using the model to determine their impact on required spill and juvenile salmon survival. The model is used regularly by Chelan to support contingency and technology development planning.