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Executive Summary FEIS - Navajo Reservoir Operations Even though this alternative would not fully meet the Flow Recommendations, the purpose and need outlined in this EIS, or diversion demands from the Navajo Reservoir water supply, it was retained for analysis because of substantial public interest and concern. Extreme Hydrological Conditions While there are maximum and minimum release targets specified for each action alternative, the potential exists for modifications to these targets as a result of extreme hydrological conditions, emergencies, or unforeseen conditions. The extreme drought years of 2002 and 2003 have shown the need to recognize these extreme events. During periods of exceptionally high inflow and high reservoir levels, the reservoir may need to be operated with releases higher than 5,000 cfs under any of the alternatives. This would result in flows that exceed the Corps' safe channel capacity upstream from Farmington. In periods of extreme drought conditions, when water shortages are anticipated on Navajo Reservoir water supply contractors diverting above, at, or below Navajo Reservoir (such as occurred in 2003), shortage sharing plans will be developed based upon the available water, with input from the Service, New Mexico State Engineer, and reservoir water users. The available water, taking into account both the prospective runoff originating above Navajo Reservoir and the available water in storage in Navajo Reservoir, will be apportioned between the contractors as directed in Section 11 of Public Law (P.L.) 87-483. Reclamation will assess available water for the water year and determine whether shortages are anticipated. Reclamation will hold discussions with the Service and the SJRBRIP to determine flow targets and minimum base flows for endangered fish. The shortage sharing plans could include modifications to reservoir releases and target base flows. While Section 11 of P.L. 87-483 provides the framework for apportioning water to Navajo Reservoir water users between those diverting above and those diverting at or below the reservoir, in years where shortages are anticipated, it is understood that this does not preclude water users from developing cooperative water sharing agreements, such as those that were developed in 2003 through 2005, so long as such agreements would not cause Reclamation to undertake any change in its operations from how they would operate under Section 11.13 13 The criteria for computing shortages and allocating water supplies and shortages under the Recommendations for San Juan River Operations and Administration for 2003, 2004, and 2005 were agreed to for those years only by the 10 major water users on the San Juan River that were party to the Recommendations. The Recommendations clearly state that the agreements contained therein are not to be construed as precedent setting for San Juan River operations and administration in subsequent years or as establishing any party's rights or entitlements to divert and use water from the San Juan River, including undershortages.