Aspinall Project Notices

Blue Mesa

Project Notices

BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
ASPINALL UNIT RELEASES
October 18, 2022

Releases from the Aspinall Unit will be decreased from 1050 cfs to 950 cfs on Thursday, October 20th. Releases are being decreased due to reduced demand at the Gunnison Tunnel.  

Flows in the lower Gunnison River are currently above the baseflow target of 790 cfs. River flows are expected to remain above the baseflow target for the foreseeable future. 

Pursuant to the Aspinall Unit Operations Record of Decision (ROD), the baseflow target in the lower Gunnison River, as measured at the Whitewater gage, is 790 cfs for October and November. 

Currently, Gunnison Tunnel diversions are 700 cfs and flows in the Gunnison River through the Black Canyon are around 340 cfs. After this release change Gunnison Tunnel diversions will be around 600 cfs and flows in the Gunnison River through the Black Canyon will still be near 340 cfs.  Current flow information is obtained from provisional data that may undergo revision subsequent to review. 

This scheduled release change is subject to changes in river flows and weather conditions. For questions or concerns regarding these operations contact: 

Erik Knight at (970) 248-0629, e-mail eknight@usbr.gov  


Contact

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

Last Updated: 10/18/22