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I I I 2003 RESERVOIR OPERATlO'iS I The regulation of the Colorado River has had effects on downstream aquatic and riparian resources. Controlled releases from dams have modified temperature. sediment load. and flow patterns. resulting in increased productivity of some introduced aquatic resources and the de\"clopmcnt of economically significant span fisheries. Howevcr. these same releases have detrimental effects on endangered and other native species. Operating strategies designed to protect and enhance downstream aquatic and riparian resources have been established at se....erallocations in the Colorado River basin. I I Modifications to planned operations may' be made based on changes in forecast conditions. Howevcr. due to the RecO\'ery Implememation Program for Endangered Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin (Upper Colorado Recovery Program). Section 7 consultations. and other downstream concerns. modification to the monthly operation plans may be based on other factors in addition to changes in streamflo\l,' forecasts. Decisions on spring peak releases and downstream habitat target flows may be made midway through the runoff season, Reclamation and the Fish and Wildlife Service will initiate meetings with imerested parties. including representatives of the Basin States. to facilitate the decisions necessary to finalize site~specific operations plans. I I I I I I I I Reclamation completed Section 7 consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Service in April 2002 on current and projected discretionary routine lower Colorado River operations and maintenance activities for a period of up 10 3 years. On an annual basis. Reclamation's compliance with environmental commitments related to the April 1997 and 2002 Biological Opinions are reported to the Fish and Wildlife Service. The most recent report documenting Reclamation's compliance \'.lith these commitments is dated April 2002. Reclamation's compliance with additional environmental commitments. related to adoption of the Interim Surplus Guidelines. will continue to be addressed in future annual reports. as appropriate. Reclamation and the Fish and Wildlife Service have also fomled a partnership with other federal. state. and private agencies to develop the Lower Colorado River ~lulti.Species Conseryation Program. This program permits both non federal and federal panics to participate and address Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance requirements under Sections 7 and JOofthe ESA. The following paragraphs discuss the operation of each of the reservoirs with respcct [0 compact. dccree. and statutory' watcr delivery obligations, and instrcam flow necds for maintaining or improving aquatic resources, where appropriate. I I Fonrenelle Resen'oir I I I Precipitation and ensuing runoff in the Upper Green River Basin during water year 2002 were well below normal for Ihe third year in a row. The April through July runoff into Fontenelleduring \\'aler year 1001 was 0.330 ~IAF (407 ~ICM). or 38 percent ofnonnal. Inflow peaked at 4,400 cfs (115 ems) on June 3.2002. Releases in excess ofpowerplant capacity were not required from Fontenelle Reservoir in 2002. ~1aximum releases in 1002 were at powerplant capacity (approximately 1500cfs (40 ems)) from May S. 2002 to :Vlay IS, 2002. Fontcnelle Reseryoir reached a peak elevation of December 13. 1001 9