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<br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />J <br />t <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />~.9 <br />1995 RESERVOIR OPERATIONS <br /> <br />Minimum instream flow levels have been established at several locations in the Upper and <br />Lower Basins which are intended to preserve the present aquatic resources downstream of <br />specific dams. The regulation of the Colorado River has had both positive and negative <br />effects on aquatic resources. Controlled cool water releases from dams have provided for <br />increased productivity of some aquatic resources and the development of significant sport <br />fisheries. However. the same releases may be detrimental to endangered and other native <br />species of fishes. <br /> <br />Consultations with the Fish and Wildlife Service in compliance with Section 7 of the <br />Endangered Species Act (Section 7 consultations) on the operation of the Aspinall Unit on the <br />Gunnison River, Navajo Dam on the San Juan River, and on Flaming Gorge on the Green <br />v~-River-wil1-contlnue In 19'9Q) Studies associated with these consultations will be used to <br />better understand the flow related needs of endangered and other native species of fish. <br />Additionally, interim flow restrictions on releases from Lake Powell will continue in water <br />G-yeart99ID and until the corresponding Record of Decision on the Glen Canyon Dam <br />Environmental Impact Statement (GCDEIS) is completed. <br /> <br />Modifications to planned operations may be made based on changes in forecast conditions. <br />However, due to the Recovery Implementation Programs for Endangered Fish Species in the <br />Upper Colorado River Basin. Section 7 consultations, and other downstream concerns, <br />modification to the monthly operation plans may not be based solely on changes in <br />streamflow forecasts. Decisions on spring peak releases and downstream habitat target flows <br />may be made midway through the runoff season. Reclamation and the Fish and Wildlife <br />Service will initiate meetings with interested parties, including representatives of the Basin <br />States, to facilitate the decisions necessary to finalize site specific operationl plans. All <br />operations will be undertaken subject to the primary water storage and delivery requirements <br />established by "The Law of the River" and other applicable statutes, including water quality <br />control, recreation. enhancement of fish and wildlife, and other environmental factors. <br /> <br />The following paragraphs discuss the operation of each of the reservoirs with respect to <br />compact, decree and statutory water delivery obligations, and instream flow needs for <br />maintaining or improving aquatic resources, where appropriate. <br /> <br />FontenelIe Reservoir <br /> <br />The Upper Green River Basin continued to be the driest portion of the Colorado River Basin. <br />The April through July runoff into the reservoir during water year 1994 was only 512 MCM <br />(0.415 MAF) or 49 percent of the long term average. As a result of restrained releases <br />during most of 1994. Fontenelle Reservoir nearly filled in July. <br /> <br />Because the mean annual inflow of 1.480 MCM (1.200 MAF) far exceeds the storage <br />capacity of 426 MCM (.345 MAF), significant powerplant bypasses are expected under the <br /> <br />7 <br />