Current Status

Last Updated: May 9th, 2023

***Notices for the latest release changes are posted here. Email sbehery@usbr.gov or call 970-385-6560 for questions or updates***

Navajo Reservoir - On May 8th, the daily average release rate from Navajo Dam was 500 cfs while reservoir inflow was averaging 4,980 cfs. The water surface elevation was 6053.17 feet above sea level. At this elevation the live storage is 1.210 maf (73 percent of live storage capacity) and the active storage is 0.582 maf (57 percent of active storage capacity). An average of 337 cfs is currently being diverted to Cutter Reservoir for the Navajo Indian Irrigation Project (NIIP). Approximately 937 cfs is being diverted to the San Juan-Chama Project (SJC) above Navajo Reservoir.

Releases from Navajo Dam are made for authorized purposes of the Navajo Unit and are pursuant to the Record of Decision for the Navajo Reservoir Operations. Releases target the San Juan River Recovery Implementation Program's (SJRIP) recommended downstream baseflow range of 500 cfs to 1,000 cfs through the critical habitat reach of the San Juan River (Farmington, NM to Lake Powell).

Preliminary modified unregulated inflow (MUI) into Navajo in April was 245 kaf, which was 167 percent of average for the month.  The release averaged 350 cfs and totaled 21.1 kaf, which was 40 percent of average for the month. 

The most probable MUI forecast for May, June, and July, is 435 kaf (179 percent of average), 275 kaf (145 percent of average), and 55 kaf (115 percent of average), respectively.

The official April-July forecasts are as follows:
MIN: 905 kaf (144 percent of average, an increase of 105 kaf since the April Forecast)
MOST: 1,010 kaf (161 percent of average, an increase of 65  kaf since the April Forecast)
MAX: 1,160 kaf (185 percent of average, a decrease of 10 kaf since the April Forecast)

There is sufficient water available, based on this forecast, for a SJRIP-recommended spring peak release with 21-days at a peak of 5,000 cfs. Beginning on May 15th, the release is scheduled to increase, peaking on May 25th at 5,000 cfs, and holding for 21 days before ramping back down to base releases. The release is forecast to total 290 kaf over base releases.

Reclamation conducts Public Operations Meetings three times per year to gather input for determining upcoming operations for Navajo Reservoir. 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. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 22nd at 1:00 PM. This meeting is open to the public, and will be held at the Farmington Civic Center, 200 West Arrington, in Farmington, New Mexico (subject to change based on guidance at the time).  The meeting will also have a virtual option.

Susan Behery

Contact

Please contact the Operations Group via e-mail at ResourceMgr@usbr.gov for additional information.

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