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<br />flows to the Green River. By midnight of June 21, the river was flowing a stable 113 cubic
<br />meters per second (4000 cfs) with 56,6 cubic meters per second (2000 cfs) being released from
<br />the spillway and 56,6 cubic meters per second (2000 cfs) being released from the remaining
<br />operational bypass tube,
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<br />Significant work was performed in the latter part of June to put the power plant back on line,
<br />By June 29, damaged components in the Flaming Gorge generators had been repaired or
<br />replaced, and all three of the generating units were up and running, The damaged bypass tube
<br />will be repaired during water year 1998,
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<br />In 1997, Flaming Gorge was operated in accordance with the Biological Opinion on the
<br />Operation of Flaming Gorge (BOFG), issued in November 1992, The BOFG outlines the
<br />reservoir operations which may provide an improved habitat for endangered endemic species
<br />of fish, Late summer and early fall flows in 1997 differed from those recommended in the
<br />BOFG, however, The BOFG calls for releases to be made during this time period so as to
<br />achieve a target flow of34 to 51 cubic meters per second (1200 to 1800 cfs) on the Green River
<br />near Jensen, In 1997, however, a target flow of71 cubic meters per second (2500 cfs) was used,
<br />This change in operation was made in consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Service,
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<br />In water year 1998, Flaming Gorge will again be operated in accordance with the BOFG, A
<br />revised biological opinion on the operation of Flaming Gorge Dam is due out in December
<br />1997, This revised opinion will likely describe specific constraints during the spring and winter
<br />seasons, but may also refine the constraints for the entire year.
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<br />Blue Mesa, Morrow Point. and Crystal Reservoirs (Aspinall Unit)
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<br />:)
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<br />In water year 1997 the April through July unregulated runoff into Blue Mesa Reservoir was
<br />1,310 MCM (1.062 MAF) or 152 percent of average, Water year 1997 unregulated inflow was
<br />1,750 MCM (1.419 MAF) or 146 percent of average, Water year 1997 power plant bypasses
<br />were approximately 587 MCM (0.476 MAF) at Crystal. Releases and spills up to 153 cms
<br />(5,400 cfs) occurred at Crystal with flows in the river below the tunnel in excess of 133 cms
<br />(4,700 cfs) , Blue Mesa filled easily during water year 1997,
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<br />Section 7 consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Service on the operation of the Aspinall Unit
<br />continued in 1997, As part of this consultation, a five-year effort to study the effect of various
<br />release patterns on habitat, reproductive success, and reintroduction of endangered fish in the
<br />Gunnison River is underway,
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<br />Additionally, the Aspinall Unit was operated as if the draft contract between Reclamation, the
<br />National Park Service, and the State of Colorado to deliver water from the Aspinall Unit to the
<br />Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument were in place, The operation was also
<br />coordinated with the Fish and Wildlife Service and others interested in the operation of the
<br />Aspinall Unit.
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<br />September 3, 1997
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