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dbt: Compilation Error: Model depends on a node named '...' which was not found

A ref() or source() call points to a model, seed, snapshot or source that dbt cannot find in the project or its packages, or that is disabled. The message names the model that contains the bad reference and the missing name.

Causes · Fixes · Source

Common causes

1. A typo in ref('name'), or a model that was renamed or deleted.How to confirm: Search the project for the name in the message; it does not exist as a file name.
2. The target model is disabled with enabled: false, so dbt treats it as missing.How to confirm: The message ends with 'was not found or is disabled'; check config(enabled=...) and dbt_project.yml.
3. The model lives in a package that is not installed, or ref needs the package name.How to confirm: Run dbt deps, and use ref('package_name', 'model_name') for cross-package references.

How to fix it

Where the message comes from

• exceptions.py in dbt-labs/dbt-core at v1.12.6
• Message checked in dbt-core 1.12.6

Message template in the source: %s '%s' (%s) depends on a %s named '%s' which was not found

References

• docs.getdbt.com/reference/dbt-jinja-functions/ref