WSP11688

• File Number: 8220.104.I
• Description: Flaming Gorge
• State: UT
• Basin: Yampa/White/Green
• Date: 11/25/1992
• Author: USDOI-USFWS
• Title: Final Biological Opinion on the Operation of Flaming Gorge Dam - ‎(Part 1 of 2)‎
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Biological Opinion

The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucoceDha1us), peregrine falcon (fAl&Q
Derearinus), and Ute ladies'-tresses .orchid (SDiranthes di1uvia1is) also are
addressed in this biological .opinion.

BIOLOGICAL OPINION

Based upon the best scientific and commercial information currently available,
it is the Service's biological opinion that the continued operatian of Flaming
Gorge Dam, as described below, is likely to jeapardize the continued existence
of the endangered Colorada squawfish (Ptvchocheilus lucius), humpback chub
(~~), bony tail chub (iili eleQans), and razorback sucker (Xvrauchen
texanus) by appreciably reducing the 1ike1ihoad of both the survival and
recavery of these species in the wild by further reducing their numbers,
reproduction, or distribution.

Elements of a reasanab1e and prudent alternative, that in the opinion of the
Service, will avoid the likelihoad of jeopardy to the endangered Colorado
River fish are based, in part, on the reoperation of Flaming Garge Dam and
include:

1. Refinement of the operation of Flaming Gorge Dam so that flow and
temperature regimes .of the Green River will more closely resemble
historic conditions.

2. Conduct a 5-year research program including implementation .of
winter and spring research flows beginning in 1992 to allow for
potential refinement of flows for these seasons. This research
program will be based on the Five-Year Flaming Gorge Flow
Recommendations Investigations which are being conducted by the
Recavery Program (Appendix B). The program provides for annual
meetings to refine seasonal flows based on research findings and
water year forecast. Except for specific research flows during
the 5-year research program, year-round flows in the Green River
will resemble a natural hydrograph described under element 1 of
the reasonable and prudent alternative.

3. Determinatian of the feasibility and effects of releasing warmer
water during the late spring/summer period and investigation of the
feasibility of retrofitting river bypass tubes to include power
generation thereby facilitating higher spring releases.

4. Legal protection of Green River flaws from Flaming Gorge Dam to Lake
Powe 11.

5. Initiation of discussions with the Service after the conclusion of
the 5-year research program to examine further refinement .of flows
for the endangered Colorado River fish.

The Service believes implementation of the reasonable and prudent alternative
will preclude jeopardy to the endangered fish from the continued operation of
Flaming Gorge Dam. Furthermore, it is the Service's biological opinion that

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