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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Gunnison/2 <br />The releases, along with natural flows from the Uncompahgre <br /> <br />River and other tributaries downstream, are aimed at reaching <br /> <br />occupied habitat of endangered fish in the Gunnison between Delta <br />and Grand Junction, Colo., and in the Colorado River. <br />None of these releases -- including the 3,000 CFS "flushing <br /> <br />flow" -- is expected to cause problem floods. <br />"This year's runoff is only 70 to 80 percent of normal, so <br />this operation should not cause any significant flooding," said Ron <br /> <br />Johnston, projects manager of the Bureau of Reclamation's Grand <br />Junction office. Flooding usually does not occur until river flows <br /> <br />exceed 15,000 CFS, Johnston said. <br /> <br />The Fish and wildlife service has tailored its test-flow <br /> <br />recommendations for high- and low-water years, Hamill said. For <br />years of higher runoff, the Service has requested releases of <br /> <br />larger volume and longer duration. <br /> <br />Concern about Colorado squawfish -- which historically grew to <br /> <br />nearly 6 feet long -- as well as razorback suckers and humpback <br /> <br />chubs spurred the Service to recommend testing higher flows in late <br /> <br />spring and lower, more stable flows in summer, fall and winter. <br /> <br />Recent Gunnison flows have been more constant year-round. <br /> <br />"Blue Mesa is the largest dam that can be reoperated to affect <br /> <br />flows in the main stem Colorado River in a positive way," Hamill <br /> <br />said. "Most reservoirs in the upper Colorado River Basin are small, <br /> <br />and much of the water in those reservoirs is already committed to <br /> <br />other uses. The Gunnison offers the greatest potential to improve <br />flow conditions for endangered fish." <br /> <br />-- more -- <br />