WSP11567

• File Number: 8240.200.38.A
• Description: Coordinated Reservoir Operations
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 1/1/1999
• Author: CWCB
• Title: 1999 Coordinated Reservoir Operations Bypasses for Endangered Fish - Annual Summary of Operations for 1999 to Benefit the Endangered Fishes of the Upper Colorado River Basin
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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peak would be helpful. Ideally photography for a variety of flows would be beneficial so that the
affect various peaks on habitat and any problems associated with the peak flows. can be
identified.

Aerial monitoring of the Colorado River and tributaries downstream of each partIcIpating
reservoir during bank-full conditions would also be helpful in determining where "pinch points"
are and the potential for flood damages. This photography could be oblique in nature and would
not have to be continuous. Hopefully, it could be obtained at minimal added cost at the same
time the IS-Mile Reach is flown in the future. Peak flows of the magnitude that occurred in
1997 were very close to, if not greater than, bank-full conditions for many reaches of the river
and we hope that some funding can be made available in the future for aerial photography when
similar conditions exist.

IX. Recommendations

The Coordination Committee has the following recommendations for future years:

A. Conduct coordinated reservoir operations again in 2000.
B. Work with the NWS Colorado River Basin Forecast Center to improve peak runoff
forecasting.
C. Coordinate with appropriate parties on river administration and accounting issues.
D. Work with the state of Colorado and NWS to identify high flow levels and locations
potentially flooded or adversely affected by CROS.
E. Work with the state of Colorado and NWS to resolve differing flood stage levels or
determinations at stream gages.
F. Obtain aerial photography downstream of all participating reservoirs and in the IS-Mile
Reach to determine "pinch points" on the system when out-of-bank flooding is close to
occurring and document the benefits of peak flows to critical habitat.
G. Continually strive to improve communication and coordination.
H. Develop a method used by all reservoir operators for calculating the amount of water
bypassed during Coordinated Reservoir Operations, and for defining operations absent
any Coordinated Reservoir Operations.
1. Have the FWS report on monitoring activities in the IS-Mile Reach.
J. Investigate potential impacts to existing cold water fisheries below reservoir facitlities.
K. Address fill/refill water rights accounting issues, i.e, work with Division S Engineer to
quantify impacts to water rights foregoing diversion to storage - how would this be

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