WSP08192

• File Number: 8240.200.38.A
• Description: Coordinated Reservoir Operations
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 1/1/1997
• Author: CWCB
• Title: 1997 Coordinated Reservoir Operations Bypasses for Endangered Fish - Annual Summary of Operations for 1997 to Benefit the Endangered Fishes of the Upper Colorado River Basin
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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Willow Creek

The Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District participated in the Coordinated Reservoir Operations
study process, however, no releases from Willow Creek Reservoir were made during 1997 as there was
no need for additional water due to the high flows at the time.

Homestake

Homestake Reservoir did not participate in the Coordinated Reservoir Operations Program during 1997.

SUMMARY TABLE OF BYPASSES FOR 1997

Date Ruedi Green Williams Wolford Acre-feet
(cfs) Mountain Fork Mountain!
(efs) (efs) (efs)
05/30/97 75 143 432
05/31/97 311 501 1,6]]
06/01/97 482 873 2,688
06/02/97 110 461 131 982 3,340
06/03/97 239 470 213 992 3,796
06/04/97 104 970 2,130
06/05/97 29 901 1,84S
Total for CROS (aO 15,842

VII. Division of Water Resources Administration

Provided below is an excerpt from the State of Colorado Division S Water Resources 1997 Annual
Report:

"CROS (Coordinated Reservoir Overations Studv - - 1997 marked the first year in which
reservoir releases in the Colorado River Basin were coordirwted in a manner designed to
enhance the habitat of several endangered fish species residing in the I5-Mile Reach of
the Colorado River.

The J 5-Mile Reach of the Colorado River between Palisade, Colorado, and the confluence of the
Colorado and Gunnison Rivers at Grand Junction is important habitat for the endangered
Colorado River Squawfish and Razorback Sucker. Recovery of these fish in the upper Colorado
River is expected to require improvement of existing habitat conditions. Research has indicated
that enhancement of peak flows in the Reach improves the spawning habitat for the endangered
fishes.

A study was conducted under RIPRAP item I.A.3.c.(3)(c) indicating that the coordirwted
operation of reservoirs located upstream from the I5-Mile Reach may result in
enhancement of spring peakflows in the I5-Mile Reachfor the benefit of the endangered

] Wolford Mountain was full and spilling all inflow during the time Coordinated Reservoir Operations were
occurring.

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