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70 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I The number of backwaters available to larval native fish would be greater under this scenario compared to current operations because peak flows would be lower in both low- and high-water years. In addition, the quality and stability of backwaters would increase due to elimination of fluctuations. The impacts on humpback chub of steady flows of 23,000 cfs in high-water years and 12,000 cfs in low-water years is uncertain. White-water boating would be enhanced by the elimination of fluctuating releases. The recreational value of the fishery and boating safety would also in- crease under the more moderate flows of this scenario (Appendix C, section III). Releases For FISHING AND WHITE-WATER RECREATION Are Mostly Favorable To Other Resources This scenario (Figure VII-5) is designed to provide desirable conditions for anglers during the winter and for boaters during the primary white-water season. Eliminating fluctuations would provide for increased recreation benefits for anglers and particularly for white-water boaters. However, the two groups prefer quite different flow levels. Anglers prefer approximately 10,000 cfs, and white-water boaters pre- fer flows near 30,000 cfs. The conflict between these groups is reduced by the fact that fishing~use peaks in winter, whereas 92 percent of white-water boating oc- curs from May to October. No negative effects of this scenario to the other critical resources have been identified by this study. However, the effect upon humpback chub is unknown for the reasons described in the section above. Common native fish would benefit from this scenario during low-water years due to decreased peak flows and lack of fluctuations. However, in high-water years, it is likely that backwaters would be fewer under this scenario than under current operations, because water would be rising rather than dropping prior to larval rearing from June to August.