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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Radioactivity levels and temperature variations of the Columbia River

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5631990

In this report temperature and radioactivity levels of the river are considered. This report describes the Columbia River between Priest Rapids in Washington and Umatilla, Oregon, a distance of 107 miles. Coyote Rapids which are within the Hanford reservation are 11 miles downstream from Priest Rapids. The Yakima River discharges into the Columbia River near Richland, Washington. Pasco, Washington and Kennewick, Washington are located downstream on each side of the river approximately four miles above the mouth of the Snake River. Ten miles downstream from the Snake the Walla Walla River, a small tributary, discharges into McNary Reservoir. McNary Dam, a hydroelectric power and navigation facility, is located three miles upstream from Umatilla, Oregon. The reservoir, during seasons of low flow, extends approximately 60 miles to a point 15 miles above Richland, Washington. The reservoir was established in the late summer and fall of 1953. The Columbia River derives much of its water from melting ice and snow, hence the temperature and flow of the river are influenced greatly by climatic conditions, especially solar heating effects.

Research Organization:
General Electric Co., Richland, WA (USA). Hanford Atomic Products Operation
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
5631990
Report Number(s):
HW-42953; ON: DE89016472
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English