WSP04195

• File Number: 8282.600.10
• Description: Colorado River Operating Annual Reports
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 1/1/1973
• Author: USDOI/BOR
• Title: Operation of the Colorado River Basin 1973 Projected Operations 1974
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

Enhancement of Fish and Wildlife

UPPER BASIN

The interim operating rules for Fontenelle Re-
servoir provide for a continuous flow of at leost 300
c.f.s. in the channel immediately below the dom
for the benefit of fish habitat. Releases for power
production ond other purposes during water year'
1973 provided flows in excess of 750 c.f.s. except
during the, lotter part of September when fish and
wildlife tests were conducted with releases as
low as 300 c.f.s.
During the first part of March releases were
increased from 800 c.f.s. to 1,600 c.f.s. to
force the geese below Fontenelle Dam to build
their nests at a higher elevotion and away from
the river. Releases were less than 3,000 c. f.s.
throughout the geese-nesting period to avoid in-
undati ng the nests.
Fishing below Flaming Gorge Dam has been
enhanced by keeping a minimum of 800 c.f.s. in
the river.
A release of ot least 55 c.f.s. throughout the
winter 1972-73 assured good fish hobitat between
Taylor Park and Blue Mesa Reservoirs. Coordinated
operation between Taylor Park and Blue Mesa Res-
ervoirs in delivering irrigation water to the Uncom-
pahgre Project provided additional fishery and
recreation opportunities between the two reservoirs.
The interim operating rules specify a minimum of
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200 c.f.s. for good fish habitat below Morrow Point
Dam and below the Gunnison Tunnel.
A continuous flow of at least 400 c.f.s. was
maintained immediately below Navajo Dam for
good fish propagation.
Clear woter and a minimum release of 1,000
c.f.s. provided good habitat for fish in the river be-
low Glen Canyon Dam.

LOWER BASIN

Releases from lake Powell were sufficient to
mointain the level of lake Mead constant or
rising during the spowning season. This provided
lake levels sotisfactory to the spawn; however,
the elevations in which the spawn occurred limited
the food ond cover needed for favorable survivol
of the young bass. Weather conditions were also
satisfactory through most of the period this yeor.
This combination of conditions has contributed to
the resulting satisfactory spawn and survival of
the young bass this season.
Releases from Lake Mohave and Havasu were
regulated such that minimum flows below the dams
were never less than 2,000 c.f.s. This was done
to provide satisfactory fish hobitat along the low-
er river.

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Waterfowl on Topock Marsh, Lower Colorado River, Arizona
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