WSP12511

• File Number: 8220.102.01.H
• Description: Colorado River - Water Projects - Aspinall Storage Unit - General - Operation Studies
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 2/26/2003
• Author: Unknown
• Title: Proposed Operating Criteria - Colorado River Storage Project - Aspinall Unit - Multiple Drafts with staff comments - 02-26-03 and 03-25-03
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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a. To the maximum extent possible all releases will be passed
through the Blue Mesa Hydropower plant (capacity 3,360 cfs).
b. Uncontrolled spills are to be avoided if at all possible pursuant to
the terms of the CRSP A. Maximum capacity through the river
outlet is 7,950 cfs.
On average, approximately 700, 0 AF should pass through the
Blue Mesa hydropower plant annually in order to generate the
revenues needed to meet the repayment obligations on the CRSP
rim units and participatin ro . ects - a so
~~ ufficient to satisfy the needs of exis g ownstream water rights
on the Gunnison River.
Release Ramp Rates: Are not an overriding concern.
Water Rights and Exchanges:
The Aspinall Unit will be operated as required to meet:
a. The United States obligations under the 1975 Taylor Park
Reservoir Exchange Agreement (Contract No. 6-07-01-00027), as
amended; and
b. The Taylor Park Reservoir Refill decree in 4-86CW203; and
c. All water right decrees and the assignment ofthose decrees to the
United States that govern the operations of the Aspinall Unit.
d. The United States obligations to the Uncompahgre Project, the Tri-
County Water Conservancy District and all water service contracts;
and
e. The provisions of the CRSP firm electric service contracts. fill JJC!. f?<}.!.. f
60,000 AF Subordination Agreement of July 2000: a
a. The water rights for Blue Mesa Reservoir and Hydropower Plant
are subordinated to 40,000 AF of junior upstream depletions. The
Upper Gunnison Water Conservancy District in cooperation with
the Colorado River Water Conservation District and the Colorado
Division 4 Water Engineer are responsible for providing this
accounting to the U.S. Bureau ofRec1amation annually.

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Morrow Point Dam & Reservoir
1. Storage:
a. Tour Boat operations on Morrow Point are to be a consideration, but
shall not impede hydropower operations.
b. Goal is to maintain normal operating levels consistent with
hydropower operations (i.e. maintain reservoir levels above minimum
power pool).
2. Releases:
a. To the maximum extent possible all releases will be passed through
the Morrow Point Hydropower Plant (capacity 5,050 cfs).
b. Uncontrolled spills are to be avoided if at all possible pursuant to the
terms of the CRSP A. Maximum controlled release capacity is 6,550
cfs.
3. Release Ramp Rates: Are not an overriding concern.