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appreciable effect on ice processes downstream of the Jensen Bridge (RM 300). This suggests <br />that daily fluctuations from hydropower generation at Flaming Gorge Dam do not appreciably <br />affect main channel ice formation and breakup in portions of the Green River containing the <br />primary nursery areas for Colorado pikeminnow and used by overwintering adult Colorado <br />pikeminnow and razorback suckers. While Flaming Gorge Dam is unlikely to be responsible for <br />changes in ice conditions encountered by Colorado pikeminnow and razorback suckers in main <br />channel habitats, we advise caution in reaching the conclusion that unrestricted wintertime dam <br />operations will not detrimentally affect age-0 Colorado pikeminnow. Backwater habitats used as <br />nursery habitats by age-0 fish are susceptible to inundation and desiccation because they are <br />shallow and are formed behind low-lying sand berms that may be overtopped at higher flows. <br />The degree to which young endangered fish use these habitats during winter is not known and <br />additional investigations during winter are recommended in order to better understand the full <br />array of conditions faced by fish during their first year of life. <br />-26-