9569

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9569
• Author: Valdez, R. A.
• Title: Synthesis of Winter Investigations of Endangered Fish in the Green River Below Flaming Gorge Dam.
• USFW Year: 1994.
• USFW - Doc Type: 18-11,
• Copyright Material: NO

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INTRODUCTION

Puroose

The operation of Flaming Gorge Dam affects native fishes and their habitats in the

Green River of the upper Colorado River basin. These effects have been characterized in

spring, summer, and fall, but little is known about biological responses to dam operations

in winter. This document synthesizes information from winter studies on native fishes in the

Green River, together with literature from rivers and streams throughout the world. The

purpose of this synthesis is to provide background information and identify future research

needs for developing winter flow recommendations for Flaming Gorge Dam that will be

beneficial to native fishes.

Back2round

The Green River is regulated year around by Flaming Gorge Dam for water delivery,

flood control, and power generation. At an elevation of 1,708 m, the dam is located in

northeastern Utah, about 660 kIn upstream of the confluence with the Colorado River

(Figure 1). Flaming Gorge Dam was authorized by the Colorado River Storage Project Act
of 1956 (43 U.S.C. 620). Construction began in 1956, and was completed in 1964. The
reservoir began filling in November, 1962, and continued through 1966, with full operation
in 1967. Flammg Gorge Reservoir impounds water for about 145 kIn upstream to Green
River, Wyoming, with a total area of about 17,000 ha, and a live storage capacity of about
3.75 million acre feet.
Daily releases from Flaming Gorge Dam can range from 800 to 4,700 cfs (23 to 133
cms). Minimum releases have been established by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources