Historically low snowpack and widespread drought are causing rivers to run lower and warmer earlier than usual this year, raising chances of die-offs and disease outbreaks among native fish species as we head into summer.

Why it matters: Salmon, trout and steelhead remain critical to river ecosystems, and they are deeply tied to Oregon's cultural identity, recreation economy and tribal communities.

Threat level: "This year is just dire everywhere," Spencer Sawaske with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) told Axios.

• Most rivers and streams across the state — including the Clackamas, Sandy, Molalla and Hood — are running far below normal or at all-time lows, according to the U.S. Geological Survey water dashboard.
• Current temperatures in some rivers are also 10 degrees to 20 degrees warmer than usual and typically are not seen until August.

Such low, warm water can shrink fish habitat and food supply, reduce oxygen levels, spread disease and disrupt migration and spawning patterns, Daniel Ritz, river steward program director at Native Fish Society, told Axios.

Friction point: Officials have limited options to help fish once drought conditions are underway, Sawaske said.

• ODFW has focused on fish passage projects, habitat restoration and agreements with irrigators to leave more water in streams during critical periods.
• These conditions make long-term water planning even more important because climate change is expected to produce more dry years.

Yes, but: That work is expensive and underfunded, Sawaske said. While the Oregon Lottery, grant programs and funding from the Bonneville Power Administration support some projects, "we need more sources of money."

The big picture: Water in Oregon is heavily allocated among agriculture, cities and environmental uses, creating tension during drought years when rivers shrink and demand rises.

• Sawaske said ODFW can apply for instream water rights meant to preserve water for fish, but "they're not able to repair a system that already has a big deficit," he said. "They're preventing further degradation."

The other side: Native Fish Society and other conservation groups have called on the state to implement temperature-based fishing restrictions, recognize damage caused by dams and reexamine Oregon's water management entirely.

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If you missed the Fire's return to town last week, you've got two chances to see Portland teams open their seasons this weekend.

Why it matters: The Bangers and the Cherry Bombs, the city's pre-professional men's and women's soccer clubs, are debuting a larger Lents Park venue as the Cherry Bombs launch their inaugural season.

State of play: Both teams will play in Lents Park for the first time at a revamped field that can hold up to 2,000 fans with seats right on the touchline.

• That roughly doubles the capacity of the University of Portland, where the Bangers played last season.
• And it's adjacent to Walker Stadium, so fans will have access to expanded concessions, bar service and merchandise areas.

The intrigue: The Cherry Bombs are also partnering with the Portland Opera for live operatic performances at every home game this season.

• A pianist, accompanied by four opera singers, will lead crowd chants and provide real-time musical scoring to match the action on the pitch.

This weekend will also see the debut of Mary T. Cherry, the team's mascot.

• Mary joins the Bangers' Saucy T. Sausage and the Pickles' Dillon T. Pickle to round out our cadre of unhinged mascots.

If you go: The Bangers take to the pitch tomorrow with the Cherry Bombs to follow on Sunday.

• Both games kick off at 7pm. Buy your Bangers tickets here and your Cherry Bomb tickets here.

Tell a fan

📞 TriMet is installing 33 new blue-light security phones at several MAX stations and transit centers to allow passengers to more easily report suspicious activity, inappropriate behavior or call for help. (The Oregonain)

✂️ Portland City Council members are weighing whether to cut several upper management positions to help fund public safety priorities in the cash-strapped city budget. (OPB)

💧 New price estimates for the Bull Run filtration project reached nearly $2.6 billion — five times original projections — potentially leaving ratepayers on the hook to make up the cost. (KOIN)

🤖 Agility Robotics co-founder Jonathan Hurst told the crowd at Oregon Innovation Showcase this week that it's difficult for his company to grow here due to a lack of robotics talent and robust startup ecosystem. (Portland Business Journal)

Portland-based Laika Studios dropped a trailer for its newest film "Wildwood" yesterday, and it's no surprise that Rose City plays a prominent role.

• The fantastical stop-motion feature follows teen Prue McKeel, who must venture into an enchanted wilderness — based on Forest Park — to rescue her baby brother from a murder of crows.

Keen observers will catch animated renditions of the St. Johns Bridge, Pittock Mansion, downtown's Benson Bubblers and the cherry blossoms along Tom McCall Waterfront Park sprinkled throughout the trailer.

• "Wildwood" is set to hit theaters Oct. 23.

🍿 We're already seated.