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<br />2003 RESERVOIR OPERATIONS <br /> <br />The regulation of the Colorado River has had effects on downstream aquatic and riparian resources. <br />Controlled releases from dams have modified temperature, sediment load, and flow patterns, <br />resulting in increased productivity of some introduced aquatic resources and the development of <br />economically significant sport fisheries. However, these same releases have detrimental effects on <br />endangered and other native species. Operating strategies designed to protect and enhance <br />downstream aquatic and riparian resources have been established at several locations in the <br />Colorado River basin. <br /> <br />Modifications to planned operations may be made based on changes in forecast conditions. <br />However, due to the Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fish Species in the Upper <br />Colorado River Basin (Upper Colorado Recovery Program), Section 7 consultations, and other <br />downstream concerns, modification to the monthly operation plans may be based on other factors in <br />addition to changes in streamflow forecasts. Decisions on spring peak releases and downstream <br />habitat target flows may be made midway through the runoff season. Reclamation and the Fish and <br />Wildlife Service will initiate meetings with interested parties, including representatives ofthe Basin <br />States, to facilitate the decisions necessary to finalize site-specific operations plans. <br /> <br />Reclamation completed Section 7 consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Service in April 2002 on <br />current and projected discretionary routine lower Colorado River operations and maintenance <br />activities for a period of up to 3 years. On an annual basis, Reclamation's compliance with <br />environmental commitments related to the April 1997 and 2002 Biological Opinions are reported to <br />the Fish and Wildlife Service. The most recent report documenting Reclamation's compliance with <br />these commitments is dated April 2002. Reclamation's compliance with additional environmental <br />commitments, related to adoption of the Interim Surplus Guidelines, will continue to be addressed in <br />future annual reports, as appropriate. Reclamation and the Fish and Wildlife Service have also <br />formed a partnership with other federal, state, and private agencies to develop the Lower Colorado <br />River Multi-Species Conservation Program. This program permits both nonfederal and federal <br />parties to participate and address Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance requirements under <br />Sections 7 and 10 of the ESA. <br /> <br />The following paragraphs discuss the operation of each of the reservoirs with respect to compact, <br />decree, and statutory water delivery obligations, and instream flow needs for maintaining or <br />improving aquatic resources, where appropriate. <br /> <br />Fontenelle Reservoir <br /> <br />Precipitation and ensuing runoff in the Upper Green River Basin during water year 2002 were well <br />below normal for the third year in a row. The April through July runoff into F ontenelle during water <br />year 2002 was 0.330 MAF (407 MCM), or 38 percent of normal. Inflow peaked at 4,400 cfs (125 <br />cms) on June 3, 2002. Releases in excess ofpowerplant capacity were not required from Fontenelle <br />Reservoir in 2002. Maximum releases in 2002 were at powerplant capacity (approximately 1500 cfs <br />(40 cms)) from May 8, 2002 to May 15,2002. Fontenelle Reservoir reached a peak elevation of <br /> <br />December 13,2002 <br /> <br />9 <br />