9393

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9393
• Author: Crist, L. and R. Williams.
• Title: Five Year Flaming Gorge Research Program FY 1995.
• USFW Year: 1994.
• USFW - Doc Type: 32-41, Fg-I,
• Copyright Material: NO

biological and physical data, with the most comprehensive data set covering the
summer/fall period.
2. Beginning in spring 1992, initiate a 5 year research program, including
implementation of research (test) flows in spring and winter, to provide data for
potential refinement of seasonal flow recommendations. Except for specific
winter/spring research flows during the 5-year research program, Green River flows will
resemble the historic natural hydrograph. This element was included for evaluation of
biological and physicaal responses of the Green River ecosystem to the recommended
flow conditions. Additionally, because winter/spring flow recommendations were based
on limited information, more research during these seasonal periods is required to refine
these flow recommendations. .
3. Determine the feasibility of releasing warmer water from FGD during the late
springlsummer period, and investigate the feasibility of retrofitting river bypass
tubes to include power generation for facilitation of greater water releases in
spring.
4. Legal protection of Green River flows below FGD. identify and recommend those
critical flows required to enhance and recover endangered fishes of the Green River
,ecosystem (i.e., from FGD to Lake Powell). The state of Utah has indicated that until
quantifiable flow recommendations are made throughout the Green River, legal
protection will not be pursued. The Biological Opinion for operation of FGD only
recommends flows to Jensen, Utah. Therefore, the 5-year research program must
provide for collection of data to reliably support flow recommendations in lower reaches
of the Green River.
5. Initiate discussions with the Service after conclusion of the 5 years of research
to examine further refinement of recommended Green River flows.
i
2.0. FLOW RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE B{OLOG{CAL OP1N{ON
Chan es in the Green River h dro rah resultin from im lementation of flow
9 Y 9 p 9 p
recommendations set forth in the 1992 Biological Opinion on operation of FGD are the
foundation of the Five Year Flaming Gorge Research Program (section 3.0). Generally,
recommended flows more closely resemble the natural historic hydrograph of the Green River
than those previously provided. Flow recommendations were made on a seasonal basis and
are summarized in the following section; refer to the Biological Opinion for details on flow
recommendations and exceptions. Flows recommended in the Biological Opinion are those
measured at the U.S. Geological Survey gauge at Jensen, Utah
SPRING.-Timing and duration of increased water releases from FGD will closely correspond
to spring flows in the Yampa River. Starting in April, water releases will begin increasing until
a peak flow of approximately 4,000-4,700 cfs is attained. Timing of this peak will be planned
to coincide with peak spring. runoff in the Yampa River. Releases of 4,000-4,700 cfs will be
provided annually for 1-4 weeks between May 15 and June 1. Duration of peak releases will
Flaming Gorge Research Program 2