Western Colorado Area Office

This meeting was held in Farmington, New Mexico at the Civic Center. The meeting minutes, as mailed, as well as the meeting handouts are available in the archives. Meeting attendance is shown on the archived minutes.

The purpose of these meetings, held annually in January, April, and August, is to gather input for determining upcoming operations for Navajo Reservoir.  This input is used in Reclamation’s development of an overall 24-month study for operation of Reclamation projects in the Upper Colorado River Basin, which includes plans for Glen Canyon, Flaming Gorge, Aspinal Unit and Navajo.  Input from individuals, organizations, and agencies along with other factors such as weather, water rights, endangered species requirements, flood control, hydro power, recreation, fish and wildlife management, and reservoir levels, will be considered in the development of these reservoir operation plans.  In addition, the meetings are used to coordinate activities and exchange information among agencies, water users, and other interested parties concerning the San Juan River and Navajo Reservoir.

As of April 22, 2012, the average snowpack for SNOTEL stations above Navajo was at 40 percent of average with a snow water equivalent (SWE) of 7.2 inches.  The snowpack reached a maximum of 13.8 inches SWE at the beginning of March. Comparisons of past year’s snowpack on the same date indicate that inflows are below average and are currently forecasted to remain below average.

The most probable April through July 2012 modified unregulated inflow, based on the mid-April forecast, is 420,000 acre-feet, which is 56 percent of the 30-year average.  The minimum probable and maximum probable April-July inflow forecasts are 244,000 acre-feet (33% of average) and 600,000 acre-feet (81% of average), respectively. 

In compliance with the San Juan River Basin Recovery Implementation Program (SJRIP) Flow Recommendations, under the minimum, most and maximum probable forecasts a 1-week at 5,000 cfs hydrograph will be released with a three day ramp up/down. 

The current CBRFC forecast for the peak of the Animas River at Farmington is May 22nd.  The goal of the spring peak release from Navajo Reservoir is to match the peak of the Animas River at Farmington.  The preliminary dates for the spring peak release are to begin on May 14th with the ramp up and reaching 5,000 cfs on May 16th continuing through May 22nd, followed by a ramp down concluding on May 25th.   After the spring peak release, it is anticipated to return to the base release of 500 cfs.  These dates may be adjusted based on the latest peak forecast for the Animas River. A final release hydrograph will be announced no later than 1-week prior to the beginning of the ramp-up.

An overview of the conditions of nearby reservoirs was presented.  The forecasted inflow into Vallecito Reservoir is sufficient to reach a full reservoir.   Lemon Reservoir is not projected to fill this year.  The Animas-La Plata Project’s Lake Nighthorse is currently at full capacity with an elevation of 6880.1 (98% full), storing 112,319 acre-feet.  No releases are anticipated during the spring and summer.  A test release may occur in the fall.  The Navajo Nation Municipal Pipeline is currently under construction.   

Based upon all (minimum, most and maximum) mid-April inflow forecasts and calculated available water, a 1-week at 5,000 cfs hydrograph will be released with a three day ramp up and down.  The preliminary dates for the spring peak release are to begin on May 14th with the ramp up and reaching 5,000 cfs on May 16th continuing through May 22nd, followed by a ramp down concluding on May 25th.  The exact dates are to be determined as additional information becomes available.  A one week advance notification will be issued prior to an increase in the release. UPDATE: The spring peak release will begin on May 21st and reach 5000 cfs on May 23rd.  The ramp down will begin on May 30th and reach a base release on June 1st.

The release from Navajo Reservoir has been approximately 500 cubic feet per second (cfs) since December 12, 2012.  The release will continue to be at 500 cfs before and after the spring peak release.  Adjustments to the release will continue to occur to meet target base flows in the critical habitat area.  The release may be decreased to 350 cfs to conserve water for the next year, as long as target base flows will still be met. 

Drainage rehabilitation work will commence in June or July at the downstream left groin.  Maintenance building and yard improvements will potentially occur during the summer and fall. 

 

Fish & Wildlife Service – Announced upcoming San Juan Recovery Implementation Program (SJRIP) meetings.  The Biology Committee meeting is scheduled for May 15th, the annual meeting is scheduled for May 16th and the Coordination Committee meeting is scheduled for May 17th.  All these meetings will be held at the Public Lands Building in Durango, Colorado.

Hammond Conservancy District – The irrigation season began on April 15th, water is currently being released and utilized by the farmers.

Scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at the Civic Center in Farmington, New Mexico (200 West Arrington Street).

Meeting Minutes (Portable Document Format (PDF)): View these minutes as mailed (includes attendance list)