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0-3 002967 PACIFIC SOUTHWEST INTER-AGENCY COMMITTEE EXECUTIVE 'SUBCOMMITTEE MINUTES OF 79-2 MEETING Jackson, Wyoming September 5, 1979 In the absence of Laren D. Morrill, Chairman, due to hospitalization, the meeting was called to order by Vern Valantine of California. It was announced that an appropriate card would be obtained for signature by the attendees and sent to Larry with our best wishes for a speedy recovery. FrOm introductions, it was determined that repre- sentatives of seven member states and principal federal agencie$ were present. There were no specific announce- ments. The minutes of the 79-1 meeting held in Phoenix, Arizona, were approved. Mr. Jerry Garner of the Bureau of Reclamation and Mr. Stan Lutz of the corps of Engineers reported On problem$ originating from releases of water for flood control purposes in the United States. Mr. Garner reviewed the history of the Colorqdo River, pointing out, that, since February of 193:5 '1hen storage of water in Lake Mead was initiated, there has been eS$entially no flooding below Hoover Dam. This situation was prolonged when storage in Lake Powell was initiated in 1963. During this period, the flood con- trol operation plan for Hoover Dam incorporated a "target maximum" release of 40,000 cfs, only to be reached when absolutely nece$sary. Due to the absence of periodic flooding, encroachment of development into the flOOdplain has occurred to the point where releases in the range of 40,000 cfs would now cause significant damage. This condition extends all the way down to the Gulf of California in Mexico, where 2,500 cfs will cause damage. The problem is becoming more acute since Lake Powell is being projected to fill by June, 1980, and it will be necessary to start making larger releases such that the flood control requirements can be fulfilled.