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<br />Resen-oir Operations <br /> <br />Daily releases are provided from the storage reservoirs in <br />the Lower Basin to meet the needs of water user agencies, <br />for river regulations, and as needed for flood control. When <br />possible, all water passes through the powerplant units. The <br />daily releases are regulated on an hourly basis to balance 1he <br />power needs of the hydroelectric power customers, the flow <br />needs of endangered species of fISh (Upper Basin only) and <br />recreational needs. In general, controlled releases allow for <br />an extended recreation season, and reduce the high flow <br />periods in May and June. <br /> <br />The runoff into Lake Powell for water year 1995 was above <br />average. Unregulated inflow into Lake Powell was 139 <br />percent of average for water year 1995. Storage in both <br />Lakes Powell and Mead, increased in water year 1995. Lake <br />Powell increased by 5,597 million cubic meters (4,538,000 <br />acre-feet) in water year 1995, while Lake Mead increased by <br />967 million cubic meters (784,000 acre-feet). <br /> <br />Operational objectives at and below Laguna Darn are to re- <br />regulate releases from Imperial Reservoir to conserve water, <br />control sediment, and maintain the river channel. Storage <br />above Laguna Dam in the reservoir, in surcharge, and in <br />bank storage provides for controlled flows in the river at <br />Yuma and the Northerly International Boundary. <br /> <br />When combined with downstream drainage, Laguna releases <br />provide a continuous live stream for recreation and fISh and <br />wildlife. On a few occasions each year, higher releases from <br />Laguna Reservoir, caused by rainstorms or user rejected <br />water orders, are used to maintain river channel capacity. <br />This occasional practice reduces channel maintenance <br />expense without impairment to water conservation or power <br />production. <br /> <br />Based on existing reservoir conditions and river regulation <br />operatior15 below Hoover Dam, the total- 1996 delivery to <br />Mexico is scheduled to be a treaty delivery of 1,850 million <br />cubic meters (l,500,tXXl acre-feet) for the calendar year. In <br />addition, approximately 148 million cubic meters (l20,tXXl <br />acre-feet) of drainage waters are expected to bypass to the <br />Gulf of California via the Bypass Drain during calendar year <br />1996. This bypass channel was constructed pursuant to <br />provisions of Minute No. 242 of the International Boundary <br />and Water Commission. <br /> <br />Based on existing conditions it is anticipated that the Gila <br />River will have no adverse impacts to Colorado River <br />operations for water year 1996. <br /> <br />21 <br />