What causes GraphDependencyNotFoundError?

A model is referenced with ref() but was renamed, deleted, or moved to a disabled package. The model being referenced is excluded by the current dbt selector. A model in a different dbt project is referenced without a cross-project ref configuration. The model exists but is in a subfolder and the path is resolved incorrectly. A recent refactoring renamed a model but not all ref() calls were updated

How do I fix GraphDependencyNotFoundError?

Run dbt ls to list all nodes in the graph and verify the referenced model is present. Check for recent model renames and update all ref() calls to use the new name. If using packages, ensure the package is installed (dbt deps) and not disabled. For cross-project refs, verify the cross-project reference configuration. Run dbt compile to see the full list of unresolved references before running

High severitycompilation

Power BI Refresh Error:
GraphDependencyNotFoundError

What does this error mean?

dbt resolved all ref() and source() names successfully, but when building the execution graph, a referenced node is absent from the compiled set — typically because it was excluded by a selector, disabled in a package, or not yet installed.

Common causes

1A model is referenced with ref() but was renamed, deleted, or moved to a disabled package
2The model being referenced is excluded by the current dbt selector
3A model in a different dbt project is referenced without a cross-project ref configuration
4The model exists but is in a subfolder and the path is resolved incorrectly
5A recent refactoring renamed a model but not all ref() calls were updated

How to fix it

1Run dbt ls to list all nodes in the graph and verify the referenced model is present
2Check for recent model renames and update all ref() calls to use the new name
3If using packages, ensure the package is installed (dbt deps) and not disabled
4For cross-project refs, verify the cross-project reference configuration
5Run dbt compile to see the full list of unresolved references before running

Frequently asked questions

How do I find all ref() calls to a specific model?

Search your project for ref('<model_name>') using grep or your IDE's search function. dbt ls --select +<model_name> also shows all downstream dependents.

Can I ref() a model from another dbt project?

Yes, in dbt Cloud with Enterprise multi-project setups. In dbt Core, cross-project refs require manual configuration.