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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I waters during the May to mid-October irrigation season. According to page 55 of the DPR (1959) "Future flood damages along the Florida River below the Lemon Reservoir and without the reservoir in operation are estimated at an average of $13,900 annually, including $9,100 in damage from snowmelt floods. Operation of the reservoir on the basis of runoff forecasts will reduce snowmelt flood damage by $6,700 annually but will not significantly reduce the damage from rainfall floods. The prevention of additional damages from snowmelt floods by increasing the capacity of the reservoir or the outlet works was not found to be justified economically." In addition, a portion of the reservoir storage capacity is to provide for the recreational fishery at the reservoir and to enhance the stream fishery below the dam by maintaining flows in the river. 5.4.1 Hydrology The primary source of precipitation over the basin occurs as snow which falls during late autumn, winter and early spring. Rain may occur during any month although it is more prevalent during the warmer seasons. The annual precipitation at the higher elevations is approximately 50 inches while at Lemon Dam the average annual precipitation is about 27 inches. At higher elevations the snowfall usually accumulates until about the first of April, after which time the runoff begins. Late March or early April mark the time for runoff at the lower elevations of the watershed, resulting in considerable melting for both areas and peak flows occurring in early May. Normally Lemon Reservoir fills gradually during the winter and early spring, reaching maximum content in Mayor June. It is during the next three to four months that the reservoir level drops, with a low point being reached in October. The average annual vertical fluctuation is about 68 feet (DPR p. 54 and DPR Appendix - Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife Report, p. B). 5.0-7