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<br /> <br />002175 <br /> <br />33 <br /> <br />The FY 99 Physical Resources Program <br /> <br />Vital information needs targeted for the FY 99 physical resources program are presented <br /> <br />in the following synopsis: <br /> <br />Mainstem and Tributarv Streamflow Resources: <br /> <br />1. Monitor system-wide changes in the physical and chemical characteristics of <br />mainstem streamflow through time relative to water quality in the forebay of Lake <br />Powell. <br /> <br />2. Monitor mainstem concentrations of chemical/physical constituents to standards <br />which influence river ecosystem health. <br /> <br />3. Maintain annually updated GCMRC database of unit streamflow values derived <br />from: Paria River, Lees Ferry, Mainstem above the Little Colorado River (LCR) <br />confluence, LCR near Cameron, and Grand Canyon near Phantom Ranch. <br /> <br />4. Monitor system-wide mainstem water temperature changes through time in ways that <br />are useful to biotic investigations; especially where relevant to native fishes and <br />mainStem productivity. <br /> <br />5. Monitor dam operations, mainstem and tributary flow/sediment contributions relative <br />to mainstem sediment transport to Upper Lake Mead (as related to ongoing <br />development of a system-wide sediment budget). <br /> <br />Sediment Resources <br /> <br />One of the most critical issues relating to the long-term health of the Colorado River <br /> <br />ecosystem below Glen Canyon Dam is whether or not the ecosystem is in surplus or deficit with <br /> <br />regard to sand and finer sediment inputs versus export. Future BeachlHabitat-Building Flows <br /> <br />will only be effective in long-term preservation of sand bars if tributary supplies of sand and finer <br /> <br />sediment are greater than the volume removed from the ecosystem to Upper Lake Mead by ROD <br /> <br />dam operations. Based on previous studies, the most critical areas of the sediment budget <br /> <br />question relate to sediment inputs from tributaries throughout Glen Canyon and the Paria River <br /> <br />Final Draft - (12/15/97) For AMWG Review <br />