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ODd534 Proposed Action (HUP Releases) Releases from Ruedi would be expected to consistently exceed 250 cfs by only a small margin. Aspen would be able to make use of the increased flows and generate increased power but approximately 0-60 cfs would consistently be bypassed throughout the term of the agreement. Under this alternative, winter flows are also expected to be the lesser of 39 cfs or reservoir inflows. The plant would not be able to generate power during the winter months. Net Effects During the August to October term of the agreements, there would be an opportunity for slightly more power generation under the Proposed Action than under No Action. In addition, a few cfs of water would probably have to be bypassed around the power plant each day because total releases would be expected to exceed the power plant's functional limit of 250 cfs. CULTURAL RESOURCES Affected Environment The area of potential effect is Ruedi Reservoir and the stream channels below Ruedi. There are no known cultural resource sites at Ruedi Reservoir. A 1964 survey of the reservoir between elevations 7700 and 7800 feet conducted by Arnold Withers (Archaeological Survey of the Ruedi Reservoir, Colorado, 1964) did not identify any sites. Wave action has affected all reservoir shorelines. Low angle surfaces, where sites are typically protected from wave action, are protected by siltation from further erosion. No Action Alternative Low reservoir content would expose shoreline already subject to wave action but not typically exposed at the reservoir. This would subject any sites, if present, to potential damage from wave action and looting or vandalism. The threat from wave action may be limited due to the steep shoreline of the reservoir. The threat from vandalism may be low because of the relatively steep shoreline surrounding most of the reservoir, boating access would not be availabk at these lower reservoir levels, and the lowest reservoir levels would not occur until after the recreation season. In addition, the period between site exposure and accumulation of snow would be relatively short and would also limit potential damage from looting or vandalism. Flows downstream of Ruedi Reservoir would be approximately 200-220 cfs through November 1. Flows at this rate are not expected to create any scour or erosion to the stream channels downstream of Ruedi (see "Hydrology" in this chapter). Therefore, no effects on cultural resources below the Reservoir are anticipated. 24