environment

Health officials plan to continue monitoring the Columbia River in the Tri-Cities after they found harmful algae in the water.

In Washington state, climate change is expected to bring lower stream flows, warmer winter temperatures and less snowpack in lower elevations. That’s according to a presentation from the state’s climatologist.

Sockeye numbers are coming in stronger for the Yakima River. That’s months after construction crews in the Tri-Cities removed a land-bridge. It caused the mouth of the river to stagnate.

If you’d like to know just how bad the smoke in your area could get, an interactive map could help. The tool from Washington State University is part of an air quality project for the Northwest.

A draft water supply forecast predicts that in the future, the Columbia Basin will have less water available in the summer and early fall.

Some drinking water in Kennewick still has high levels of “forever chemicals.” Since 2024, the city has found PFAs chemicals above state standards.

An engineer in Mosier, Oregon, is developing a new way to keep property safe during wildfires. He’s tested his wildfire sensors out on his land and at prescribed burns.

Drastically fewer sockeye are returning to the Upper Columbia than expected. That’s why Washington isn’t allowing sockeye fishing this season there.

A new technology could be a cost effective, simple way to help salmon. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has installed “fish bubblers” at several dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers.

Soon, the town of White Salmon, Washington, will be a little more prepared for wildfires. The state is building a fuel break around the town.