WSP04655

• File Number: 8282.600.40
• Description: Colorado River Annual Operations Reports
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 1/1/1995
• Author: USDOI/BOR
• Title: Colorado River Reservoir Operation Status Reports Part 1
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Data

.

Date: February

10, 1995 .

RECEIVED ~~
FEB f 5 1995

From:

Colorado WeIer
Conservation llQard.
All Colorado River Annual operating Plan (AOP) Rec~p~ents

Brad Vickers, Tom Ryan

To:

Current status

Jan
inflow (unreg)
(acre-feet)

xidnigbt
Percent Feb. 9
of normal Blevation

Reservoir storage
(acre-feet)

Fontenelle
Flaming Gorge
Blue Mesa
Powell
Navajo

21,800
24,700
23,700
359,000
20,600

70
59
95
93
90

6,472.18
6,015.35
7,488.64
3,646.42
6,062..78

127,800
2,815,900
570,600
16,774,400
1,379,100

Expected Operation

PONTENELLB - Releases from Fontenelle are currently at 800 cfs.
Releases were reduced from 850 cfs to 800 cfs on January 5 due to
dry conditions in the Upper Green River Basin. It expected that
releases will remain near the 800 cfs level for the rest of winter.
The forecasted inflow combined with these releases will draw the
reservoir down to minimum power pool (6463.4 feet) by the beginning
of the 1995 runoff season.

PLAXXHG GORGB - In water year 1995, Flaming Gorge is again being
operated in compliance with the Final Biological Opinion for the
Operation of Flaming Gorge Dam (FBOFGD). Releases this winter
season are being made according to recommendations made by the
Flaming Gorge Research Group.

Releases from Flaming Gorge have been steady at 1200 cfs, with no
hour to hour fluctuation, since December 1, 1994. Releases will
likely be held at 1200 cfs until the latter part of February 1995.
An icing study in the Green River below the dam is taking place
this winter, looking at the effects of steady flows on ice
formation and breakup. Releases in March 1995 will be near minimum
levels of 800 cfs.

The minimum flow criteria of 800 cfs at Flaming Gorge will continue
to be strictly adhered to at all times during the year.

ABPUIALL - January inflow was about average (95 percent) The
precipitation during January was above average (114 percent). The
snowpack in the Gunnison basin is currently about 102 percent of
average. This all adds up to a slightly below average runoff that
is expected this year ( about 93 percent of average). The runoff
expected this spring, is slightly below normal due to the lingering
effects of the dry 1994 water year.