FLAMING GORGE - The Yampa River saw a fairly significant peak of 15,800 cfs on Saturday, May 10, 2008. However, the peak was short-lived, the temperatures decreased and the snowmelt has yet to occur on the Yampa River. Flaming Gorge releases most likely will not be increased this week, May 12, 2008, as continued below-average temeratures are predicted for the Yampa Basin over the next week. Notice of any increase will be sent as soon as possible via email and will also be posted on this website.
Observed unregulated inflow into Flaming Gorge reservoir of 79,000 acre-feet (af) was well below the April forecasted volume of 149,000 af. The May water supply forecast for unregulated inflow to Flaming Gorge during the April through July period is 820,000 af (69 percent of average), down from the April forecasted volume of 890,000 af (75 percent of average). Cumulative precipitation in the Upper Green River Basins as of May 12, 2008, is 93 percent of average, while snowpack conditions increased to 99 percent of average. May 12, 2008, water surface elevation of Flaming Gorge is 6021.91 feet above sea level and rising.
The projected end of water year elevation of Flaming Gorge Reservoir is 6024.06 feet above sea level. Based on the hydrologic classification outlined in the Flaming Gorge Record of Decision and the May forecast of April through July unregulated inflow to Flaming Gorge, the hydrologic condition is average.
Reclamation has decided to implement an operation to achieve the spring flow proposal of the Flaming Gorge Technical Working Group. On April 16, 2008, Reclamation met with the Flaming Gorge Working Group and presented the spring flow proposal and accepted comments from the Flaming Gorge Working Group and the general public. Reclamation has considered the comments it has received and has decided to implement an operation to achieve the following:
1. Flaming Gorge releases will be scheduled to increase when the peak flows of the Yampa are forecasted to occur. The maximum release rate from Flaming Gorge Dam will be limited to powerplant capacity (approximately 4,200 cubic feet per second (cfs)).
2. Powerplant releases will be maintained for approximately 21 days. It is possible that with Flaming Gorge at powerplant capacity, flows at Jensen, Utah, will be at or above 18,600 cfs. If flows at Jensen, Utah, are at or above 18,600 cfs for at least 10 days, Reclamation will consider bypassing to achieve the 18,600 cfs target at Jensen, Utah for 14 days. This decision will be based on our knowledge of remaining snowpack in the Yampa River Basin and a Green River Forecast Model.
3. If bypass occurs, Flaming Gorge flows will be decreased if the snowpack and model indicate that achieving 18,600 cfs is no longer feasible. Once the combined flow of Flaming Gorge and the Yampa River are unable to maintain flows above 14,000 cfs, Flaming Gorge will releases will decline at a rate of 500 cfs per day.
Updated May 12, 2008
Heather Patno
Email comments/inquires to: ResourceMgr@uc.usbr.gov