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of this alternative Another constraint which may affect the feasibility , is the restricted channel capacity downstream from Kremmling on the Colorado River. The quantitative effect of this constraint will be analyzed in Phase 2. , 3.2.1.1 Reduced Winter Power Operations. This alternative explores the possibility of reducing winter power releases from Green Mountain Reservoir to allow releases from storage during the peak spring runoff hydrograph. The release of water from storage would be in addition to the bypass of reservoir inflow as contemplated in Coordinated Reservoir Operations . In many years there is an opportunity to reduce winter power releases from Green Mountain and carry that water over for release on the ensuing peak. Green Mountain would enter the fill season at slightly higher target storage levels than the historical 50,000 to 80,000 acre-feet. To enhance peak flows, power releases of up to 1,726 cfs would be supplemented by outlet works releases of up to 1,500 cfs. This 3,200 cfs is within the safe channel capacity below the reservoir but may cause flooding on the Colorado River near Kremmling. In addition to the issues identified above, the Coordinated Reservoir Operations team identified other issues that must be addressed. • Shoshone power operations may not be reduced, but the Shoshone water rights call may extend to more water rights than historically, thereby resulting in the need for upstream entities to release more augmentation water in the winter than they did historically. • The net power production at Green Mountain would be reduced. Power interference charges for lost power revenues at Green Mountain Reservoir may need to be considered. • Power production would be shifted from an historical high power demand period to a low power demand period with a consequent effect on revenues. • The ongoing controversy regarding the Reclamation's authority to release water from Green Mountain Reservoir for piscatorial purposes must be resolved before this alternative could be implemented. The Federal Government asserts that Senate Document No. 80 and the Green Mountain Reservoir water rights give the Reclamation the necessary authority to release water for endangered fish. The state of Colorado and various water users submit that releases for piscatorial purposes are not allowed under the Green Mountain Reservoir water rights decree. Changes to the Green Mountain Reservoir water rights decree may be necessary. • The additional water in storage in the spring due to reduced winter power operations could alter determination of fill requirements for Green Mountain Reservoir under the Blue River Decree. The overall effects on reservoir operation must be further investigated. • This alternative may increase the risk that Green Mountain Reservoir will not achieve a physical fill (Division 5 fill) under its first fill water right. This alternative may also increase Denver's risk of releasing water from Dillon Reservoir to assure a Green Mountain Reservoir fill under the Blue River Decree and subsequent agreements among :\data\gen\Ocwcb\18133Veport\phase-1\chap-3.doc 3-6 1 p