Testing the Snake River explorer

This article describes the design and use of a computer simulation model of the Snake River. The model simulates the annual flows in the Snake at key points of interest to agricultural groups, environmental groups and the electric power industry. Simulations begin in the year 1895. This historical simulation shows the large increase in agricultural production and electric power production. The model also shows problems associated with junior water rights, declining water tables and declines in flows at points in the river where high flows are important for wildlife. The model may be used to experiment with policies to deal with these problems in the future. The unique feature of the model is its ease of use by a diverse group of individuals who are familiar with the Snake but may not be experts in computer simulation. The article describes the reaction of a group of 30 individuals who met in Boise, Idaho to test the usefulness of the model.