WSP03527

• File Number: 822.600.10
• Description: Colorado River Annual Operating Plan - Annual Reports
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 1/1/2003
• Author: USDOI/BOR
• Title: Annual Operating Plan
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Annual Report

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Under the most probable inflow conditions during water year 2003. Lake ~lcad will be at its
maximum elevation of 1155.31 feet (352 meters) at the cnd ofFebruary200J and will decline during
the water year to reach its minimum elevation of 1138.19 feet (347 meters) at the end of September
2003. Releases from Lake ~1ead for water year 2003 are projected to be 10.0 ma[(12.335 mcm).
For the purpose of projections. all estimated release amounts for CY 2003 are based on the Full
Domestic Surplus condition as the criterion governing the operation of Lake ~kad. ;-';0 flood control
releases are required during water year 2003 under any of the three inflow scenario~.

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The Interim Surplus Guidelines Record of Decision included ESA conservation measures. One such
conservation measure specified in Article X(4)(2) includes provisions for spawning razorback
suckers in Lake Mead. Reclamation continues to pro\'ide funding and support for the ongoing Lake
Mead Razorback Sucker study. The focus of the study has been on locating populations of
razorbacks in Lake Mead. documenting use and availability of spawning areas at various \vater
elevations. continuing ageing studies and confirming recruitment events. ;\'0 changes in operations
were made in water year 2002 to provide rising spring water surface elevations for spawning
razorback suckers as there were no equalization or BHBF releases during this timeframe. Based on
the anticipated operation of Lake Powell for water year 2003. no changes in operations to provide
rising elevations are expected in the spring of 2003.

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Lakes ;\Iohave and lIavasu

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At the beginning of water year 2002. Lake ~\i10have was at an elevation of 639.64 feet (l94.96
meters). with an active storage of 1.608 maf(I,983 mcm). The water le\'el of Lake Mohave was
regulated as needed between elevation 634 feet (193.24 meters) and 645 feet (196.06 meters)
throughout the water year. ending at an elevation of638.5 feet (194.6 meters) with 1.576 maf(1.944
mcm) in storage. The total release from lake ~loha\'e through Davis Dam was 10.3 maf(12,705
mcm) for downstream water use requirements.

For water year 1003. Davis Dam is expected to release 9.7 ma[(I1.965 mcm). For purposes of
projections. all estimated release amounts for CY 2003 are based on the Full Domestic Surplus
condition as the criterion governing the operation of lake ~kad. The water level in Lake Mohave
will be regulated between an elevation of630 feet (192 meters) and 643 feet (\96 meters).

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lake Ha\'asu started water year 2002 at an elevation of 447.33 feet (136.35 meters). with 0.567 maf
(699 mcm) in storage. The water level of Lake Havasu was regulated as needed between elevation
445 feet (l35.6 meters) and 449 feel (136.9 meters). During the year. 7.3 maf(9.004 mcm) was
released from Parker Dam. In addition to the releases from Parker Dam. 1.6 maf( 1.973 mcm) was
diverted from Lake Havasu for the Central Arizona Projecl (CAP) and 1.28 maf( 1.579 mcm) by' the
:-.tetropolitan Water District (MWD).

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For water year 2003. Parker Dam is expected to release 7.2 maf(8.881 mcm). Diversions from Lake
Ha\"Jsu by ;\tWD and CAP are expected to be 1.19 maf(l,480 mcm) and 1.43 maf(1.764 mcm).
respccti ve Iy.

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December 13. 2002

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