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• <br /> 6 <br /> A. Study Approach <br /> The present operation of the reservoirs of the Colorado River System in accor- <br /> dance with Public Law 90-537 Operating Criteria is based on a simple formula <br /> approach that indicates water available for Upper Basin consumptive use would be <br /> limited to an average of 5.8 MAF annually if delivery to the Lower Basin of 8.25 <br /> MAF is maintained during low flow periods similar to the most critical of <br /> record. The formula, considering total water supply, available reservoir <br /> storage, and total demands, is shown below: <br /> Allowable Annual Upper Basin Depletion (Useable Reservoir Capacity = number of <br /> years in critical period) + average <br /> annual streamflow at Lees Ferry for <br /> critical period - annual delivery to <br /> • Lower Basin + average annual shortage <br /> Calculation of the 5.8 MAF Upper Basin depletion limit is explained as follows : <br /> (1,000' s of acre-feet) <br /> Reservoirs Storage Minimum Power Pool Available <br /> Lake Powell 27,000 - 6, 124 - 20,876 <br /> Flaming Gorge 3,789 - 273 - 3,516 <br /> Navajo 1,709 - 673 - 1,036 <br /> Blue Mesa 941 - 192 - 749 <br /> Morrow Point 117 - 75 - 42 <br /> Crystal 25 - 12 - 13 <br /> 26, 232 <br /> • <br /> The bottom line figure, 26.232 MAY, is added tb the total virgin flow during the <br /> most critical 34-year period (1931-1964) of 439 .417 MAF. This equals 465.649 <br /> MAF. In essence, this means that the storage project adds water during the most <br /> critical period flow. Therefore, the most critical period flow with the storage <br /> • <br /> • I <br /> • I <br />