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Location Function Completion Date Operators Minimum Streamflow Agreement Streamf~ow Peleases Objective Information and Methods Used Recomnendations Streamflow Records FACT SHEETS FOR COLORADO Yamcolo Reservoir Green River Basin Storage dam and reservoir are located on the Bear River (Yampa River), Routt National Forest, near Yampa, Colorado. Primarily municipal and industrial water supply Early 1980's Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District A FS permit was issued in 1979 to the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District for the construction of Yamco1o Reservoir. Another FS special use permit was issued in 1982 for the maintenance and operation of the reservoir. This permit incorporated the COE 404 permit issued to the operators in 1978 (revised in 1981 and 1982), which established a minimum streamflow release from the reservoir. The original minimum streamflow specified in the COE and FS permits prior to 1982 was a 12-cfs release from the reservoir at all times during construction and operation. In 1982, the minimum streamflow requirement was modified to a 5-cfs minimum flow to be maintained in the Bear River to the confluence of Coal Creek October 1 through May I, and a 12-cfs minimum flow the remainder of the year. To maintain the downstream aquatic habitat. In the 1979 Environmental Assessment prepared by the FS, it was stated that the downstream fisheries were expected to improve with a minimum flow of 12 cfs. In the fall of 1976, CDWR biologists conducted a stream survey and applied the R-2 Cross method to measurements taken on the Bear River below the reservoir site. In 1977, the CDWR stated that a minimum flow of 12 cfs would meet their fishery criteria. The FWS also recomnended a minimum flow of 12 cfs in a 1978 letter to the COE. In 1981, the operators requested that the minimum flow be changed to 5 cfs in order to provide additional water storage. The CDWR evaluated the request and approved the reduced minimum flows, but only during the winter months. Apparently the FWS concurred with the CDWR. In 1982, the COE modified the minimum flow stipulations to reduce the amount of streamflow release to 5 cfs October 1 through May 1. The FS special use permit automatically incorporates any revisions to the COE 404 permit. No streamflow records were available from USGS or the State Engineers Office. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Salt Lake City, Utah. Agency Files Providing Project Information U.S. Forest Service, Routt National Forest, Yampa Ranger District, Yampa, Colorado. 4