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~ 4 <br />Sediment Load <br />The sediment loads of the Gunnison and Colorado rivers have been reduced <br />by construction of the Aspinall Unit. However, both rivers still carry heavy <br />sediment loads and it is unclear whether the change has affected the <br />endangered fishes. <br />Streamflow <br />The greatest change caused by construction of the Aspinall Unit has beer. <br />the reduction of spring runoff. Mean-monthly streamflow of the Gunnison River <br />was reduced by 1,864 cfs (25.1$) in May and 2,326 cfs (32.2) in June. These <br />flow changes caused 75~ and 85$ of the reduced streamflow in the Colorado <br />River for the same months. High spring runoff is important for maintenance of <br />complex river channels which provide diversified habitats for the endangered <br />fishes. High spring runoff is also important to the reproductive success of <br />Colorado squawfish and for population control of undesirable species. High <br />spring runoff still occurs, but the frequency of the higher runoff levels has <br />been reduced. .Although the relationships are still unknown, it is very likely <br />that the amount of spring runoff is an important variable affecting the <br />reproductive success of razorback sucker and humpback chub as well. <br />30 <br />