![SMH_clusters](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-09/Fish%20Passage%20Map.png?itok=U7fCtPTX)
Dataset Overview
Site classification is a key standardizing concept and component of SMH research, addressing the perception that hydropower development is predominantly site-specific. Site classification consists of analyses and tools that identify similarities in stream-reach, landscape, and biological characteristics across river systems. These similarities are classified into a finite number of clusters such that differences among characteristics within a cluster are limited. In theory, stream reaches within a given cluster share enough common characteristics that, should development be pursued on any given stream reach, design requirements would not vary significantly across sites.