7239

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7239
• Author: Smith, G. R. and R. G. Green.
• Title: Flaming Gorge Consolidated Hydrology Report -Draft.
• USFW Year: 1990.
• USFW - Doc Type: Denver, Colorado.
• Copyright Material: NO

of. .

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this report is to present hydrologic information on Flaming
Gorge Reservoir and to provide a technical basis for a Biological Opinion
(Opinion) on the operation of the project. The development of the hydrology
and biology studies for the Opinion was a joint effort by the Fish and
Wildlife Service (Service) and the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation). The
studies were developed to provide technical information on the hydrology of
the Green River system and to analyze the effects of the past and current
operations of Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

The Study effort for the Opinion began in 1985 when a plan was devised to
secure information necessary to render an Opinion on Flaming Gorge. The plan
called for two parallel paths with hydrology and biology studies proceeding
independently during the initial stage and then being integrated into a
consolidated report which would become the biological assessment for the
Opinion. Under this concept study plans were developed and work on the
hydrology studies presented in this report and 12 biology studies which began
in FY 1986.

This arrangement was formalized as the Flaming Gorge Biological Opinion Team
(Team) and began effective operation in 1987. The Team prepared a integrated
study concept which was presented to the Management Group of the Recovery
Implementation Program for Endangered Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River
Basin. The study plan was reviewed by the Management Group in September
1988. Subsequently the plan was revised by the Team and additional
responsibilities were assigned principal investigators and team members
commensurate with the development of documents needed for the biological
opinion. The completion dates for some of the reports were also extended so
that additional data could be analyzed relevant to the low flow conditions
which existed in 1988.

The hydrology studies presented in this report have been carried out over the
past 3 years by a number of researchers working in many areas. This report
consolidates results of the hydrology studies, and describe the tools which
have been developed for analysis of alternative operations which might be
proposed by biologists and decision makers. Because the report presents
hydrology tool the discussion of conclusions is limited.

1.1 Study Responsibility

Each study covered in this report was assigned to a principal investigator who
carried out the work with the aid of staff as needed. The principal
investigator for each of the studies covered in this report was responsible
for the content of each study and assuring that each study was completed on
schedule and that all comments were addressed. Each study has undergone a
peer review and comments have been addressed as appropriate. Further comments
should be addressed to the principal investigator with copies to the Service's
Division of Water Resources. Principal investigators for each of the
individual studies are listed below.

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