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<br /> <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br /> <br />5 <br /> <br />in streamflow forecasts made a year in advance is limited, the data are valuable in analyzing <br />the possible impacts on project uses and purposes. <br /> <br />Based on the ESP model results, three different hydrologic scenarios were developed and are <br />shown in Table 2. With the exception of the San Juan River Basin, dry basin conditions <br />resulted in the magnitude of inflows in the three scenarios that are less than the historical <br />upper decile, mean and lower decile. <br /> <br />Reclamation's monthly reservoir computer model is used to plan reservoir operations for the <br />upcoming l2-month period. The inflow volumes resulting from the above assumptions and <br />current reservoir storage conditions were used as model input and monthly releases were <br />adjusted until release and storage levels accomplished project purposes and priorities. <br /> <br />1993 RESERVOIR OPERATIONS <br /> <br />At several locations in both the Upper and Lower Basins, minimum instream flow levels <br />have been established which preserve the present aquatic resources downstream of certain <br />Colorado River Basin dams. The construction and operation of dams in the basin have had <br />both positive and negative effects on aquatic resources. Controlled cool water releases from <br />dams in the Colorado River Basin have provided for increased productivity of some aquatic <br />resources and the development of significant sport fisheries. However, the same releases <br />could be detrimental to endangered and other native species of fishes. Section 7 <br />consultations were continued in 1992 on the operation of the Aspinall Unit on the Gunnison <br />River and the Animas LaPlata Project on the San Juan River (which affects the operation of <br />Navajo Reservoir). These, along with the ongoing Section 7 consultation on Flaming Gorge <br />and the interim flow restriction on releases from Lake Powell, will continue in water year <br />1993. Studies associated with these consultations will be used to better understand the flow- <br />related needs of the endangered and other native species of fish. <br /> <br />Modifications to planned operations may be made based upon changes in forecasted <br />conditions. However, because of the Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered <br />Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin, Section 7 consultations, and other <br />downstream concerns, modification to the monthly operation plans are no longer primarily <br />forecast based. Decisions on spring peak releases and downstream habitat target flows must <br />be made midway through the runoff season. Reclamation and the Fish and Wildlife Service <br />(FWS) will initiate meetings with interested parties, including representation of the basin <br />states, to facilitate the decisions necessary to finalize site specific operations plans. All <br />operations will be undertaken subject to the primary water storage and delivery requirements <br />established by the Law of the River. <br />