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During water year 2003, the minimum release objective of 8.23 maf (10,152 mcm) will be made under the most probable and minimum probable inflow conditions. Above average inflow to Lake Powell in 2003 may require that releases greater then 8.23 maf be made to equalize the storage between Lakes Powell and Mead. Under the probable maximum inflow scenario, approximately 11.0 maf (13,600 mcm) will be released. I Because of less than full storage conditions in Lake Powell, resulting from three consecutive years of below normal runoff, releases for dam safety purposes are highly unlikely in 2003. If implemented, releases greater than powerplant capacity would be made consistent with the 1956 Colorado River Storage Project Act, the 1968 Colorado River Basin Project Act, and the 1992 Grand Canyon Protection Act. Reservoir releases in excess of powerplant capacity required for dam safety purposes during high reservoir conditions may be used to accomplish the objectives of the Beach/Habitat Building Flow according to the terms contained in the Glen Canyon Dam ROD, and as published in the Glen Canyon Dam Operating Criteria (62 Federal Register 9447, Mar. 3, 1997). Daily and hourly releases in 2003 will be made according to the parameters of the ROD for the Glen Canyon Dam Final Environmental Impact Statement (GCDFEIS) preferred alternative, and the Glen Canyon Dam Operating Criteria, as shown in Table 3. Exceptions to these parameters may be made during power system emergencies, or for purposes of humanitarian search and rescue. Experimental flows, if implemented in 2003, may also require that releases exceed the parameters of the Glen Canyon Dam Operating Criteria during the winter months of 2003. Releases from Lake Powell in water year 2003 will continue to reflect consideration of the uses and purposes identified in the authorizing legislation for Glen Canyon Dam. Powerplant releases and Beach/Habitat Building Flows will reflect criteria based on the findings, conclusions, and recommendations made in the ROD for the GCDFEIS pursuant to the Grand Canyon Protection Act of 1992, and any additional NEP A documentation regarding the April 24, 2002 AMWG experimental flow proposal. The Secretary is considering information submitted to the Department of the Interior by the Colorado River Basin States (65 Federal Register 48537, August 8, 2000) whereby 602(a) storage requirements determined in accordance with Article II (1) of the Operating Criteria would utilize a value of not less than 14.85 maf(elevation 3630 feet) for Lake Powell through the year 2016. The Secretary, through Reclamation, may initiate a NEPA process in 2003 to determine the impacts of the Basin States proposed 602(a) storage. December 13, 2002 15