Dams: One structure, many benefits

From bpa.gov

At first glance, dams look like they only hold back and store water, but they actually do so much more. Dams can help protect communities from floods, provide water to irrigate farmland, enable safe passage for boats and barges, create places to play on the river and provide the Northwest with renewable, carbon-free electricity. While not all dams perform the same jobs, most dams provide multiple benefits. See what else the dams on the Columbia-Snake River System do here.