The application of snowmelt forecasting to combat Columbia River nitrogen supersaturation problem

The problem of nitrogen supersaturation on the Columbia River which is alleged to have resulted in severe fisheries losses, is discussed. The cause of nitrogen supersaturation and its effect on fish are reviewed, and several structural solutions to the problem are presented. An effective means in reducing the problem lies in the regulation of upstream reservoirs, and snowmelt forecasting plays an important role in this regulation. Two types of forecasts are utilized, volumetric forecasts determined by multiple regression procedures, and daily simulation of runoff using the SSARR computer model. These procedures are briefly described and examples of their application in combating the nitrogen supersaturation problem are given.