The goal of a Basin Scale Opportunity Assessment Initiative is to develop an approach to hydropower and environmental assessment that emphasizes sustainable, low-impact or small hydropower and related renewable energies within the context of basin-wide environmental protection/restoration. Looking at the basin as an integrated system, assessments will identify specific opportunities where hydropower value/generation could be increased while simultaneously enhancing environmental conditions. Opportunity assessments focus on two water uses in the basin: hydropower and environment. However, stakeholders from irrigation, recreational, and other water user groups must also be involved to ensure that assessments are feasible within the context of existing water rights and uses. Identification of hydropower and environmental opportunities may also benefit other water user groups, whose interests often intersect with hydropower and environmental issues.

Riverware was selected for its capability to simulate hydropower at a daily timestep as well as a valuable tool for future use in the basin. Since water rights and irrigation demands play such an integral role in reservoir operations within the basin it was critical to have the water accounting portion of Riverware implemented. The Upper Deschutes/Crooked River Basin Located in Central Oregon, (figure 1) was selected for the basin assessment with a three-pronged assessment approach required: Hydropower + Environment + Irrigation and Water Supply.

Overall the model consisted of: 5 Dams with hydropower and 11 storage accounts, 30 water user diversions with 53 water right accounts; 8 Inline power plants, and 3 pumping systems. The model also addresses many of the reservoir and groundwater losses and gains. The modeling team worked with stakeholders within the basin to devise various operation and water delivery simulations. These results are represented in a web based data visualization tool to facilitate communication and understanding of the alternative scenarios and their influences on the river system.

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