The Columbia River is North America’s Pacific Northwest’s most prominent. It is also the fourth-largest river in the U.S. by volume. Additionally, it has the greatest flow of any North American river entering the Pacific Ocean. Follow us as we explore the magnificent and unique Columbia River.
How Does the Width of the Columbia River Vary Along Its Flow?
The width of the Columbia River varies considerably along its 1,243-mile flow. It twists and turns from British Columbia through seven U.S. states. Then, it dumps its massive load into the Pacific Ocean. This river also varies from one to 14 miles wide between Oregon and Washington alone. Here are some examples of the variations in width to give you a clearer idea of just how much its breadth changes:
Astoria-Megler Bridge – 14 milesLewis and Clark Bridge – 2,722 feetVancouver-Portland Bridge – 3,538 feetBonneville Lock and Dam – 2,690 feetBridge of the Gods – 1,856 feetHood River Bridge – 4,418 feetThe Dalles Bridge – 3,339 feetBiggs Rapids Bridge – 2,567 feetJohn Day Dam – 7,635 feetUmatilla Bridge – 3,433 feetMcNary Dam – 7,365 feet
How Large is the Columbia Basin?
Incredibly, the Columbia River has a drainage basin the size of France. It covers 258,000 square miles of waterways and lakes. Further, it supports 14 hydroelectric dams on its journey. Also, this mighty river and its tributaries account for about 219,000 square miles of drainage. This drainage covers one Canadian province and seven U.S. states:
IdahoMontanaWyomingUtahNevadaOregonWashingtonThe Canadian province of British Columbia
The basin’s unique relationships between topography, hydrologic cycles, and human innovation have been the source of much provision. For example, this basin offers the following resources:
Precious metalsFertile soilsAbundant forestsClean, renewable, low cost and reliable electricityFlood controlIrrigationNavigationRecreation
How Many Tributaries Feed Into this River?
Amazingly, more than 60 significant tributaries and smaller ones feed into the Columbia River. Furthermore, six primary river systems form part of the Columbia River. Five sub-tributaries are the longest to feed the Columbia River. We categorize them from longest to shortest below: Four of the six sub-tributaries are the largest by discharge volume. We categorize these from highest to lowest below:
Why Does the Columbia River Have the Greatest Flow in North America?
And because of its unique flow, Columbia has one of the greatest runoffs in the world. From its headwaters in British Columbia to its abrupt exit into the Pacific, the river drops at about two feet per mile. This lofty decent causes the Columbia River to empty an enormous 192 million cubic feet of water into the Pacific annually. Measured by the volume of its flow, the Columbia is the largest river flowing into the Pacific from North America. In fact, Columbia has the 36th greatest discharge of any river in the world.
Why is the Mouth of the Columbia River Dangerous?
The waters of the Columbia can be dangerous and tempestuous at their destination. Because of its downhill flow through mountain ranges, its arrival at the mouth can be dramatic. And the Columbia approaches the ocean at full force. Combined with an abrupt drop and a steep incline to the sea bottom at the Astoria, it causes a watery riot. Additionally, the Columbia picks up desert sand, volcanic ash, and forest debris along its path. This debris creates an ellipse of mucky sludge at the mouth, forming what is known as the Columbia River bar. The river and ocean fight fiercely over the bar shoving the debris back and forth. A quote from World’s Most Dangerous by Michael Haglund sums up the situation exceptionally well, “… The Columbia River bar is the most dangerous entrance to a commercial waterway in the world.”
How Does the Columbia River Basin Facilitate Hydropower?
Despite its explosive nature, the Columbia River is an ideal source of renewable, low-cost, reliable electricity. Hydroelectric dams supplied by the Columbia River and its major tributaries produce half of the electricity consumed in the Pacific Northwest. A harmonious balance between high volume flow and stable canyons makes the Columbia River an ideal power source. Currently, 14 of the 450 dams in the Columbia River basins are used for electricity.
Why Are There Efforts To Clean up the Columbia River?
Besides, the Columbia River is home to many fish species. Important ones include the anadromous (migrating) fish. Examples of these are the lamprey, salmon, steelhead, shad, and sturgeon. However, the steelhead and salmon are famous residents of this river. These fish have been a vital part of the river’s ecology and lifeblood of the Pacific Northwest for hundreds of years. Unfortunately, industry and waste by-products have caused harm to the river’s ecosystem. So, the ‘taming’ of the Columbia River for people has often caused conflict with conservation. Now, several organizations are working toward its clean-up and attempting to restore environmental balance to the long, wide Columbia River.
