WaterSMART

Reservoir Operations Pilots

Through the Reservoir Operations Pilot Initiative, Reclamation uses modeling and forecasting tools to identify ways to increase flexibility in reservoir operations to support optimal water management.

In June 2021, Reclamation selected six new Reservoir Operations Pilot Studies to evaluate approaches and potential operating alternatives to increase flexibility in reservoir operations to address risks from changes in the timing and volume of snowpack and runoff, changing water demands, reservoir evaporation, and risks from water supply shortfalls due to drought or competing demands.

2015 Pilot Studies

In 2015, Reclamation selected five pilot studies to identify possible improvements to reservoir operations. The results from these pilots are posted on this webpage, as they become available. See links to Bulletins summarizing pilot results and to the full reports.

• Missouri River Basin: Upper Washita, Fort Cobb and Foss Reservoirs
• Bulletin | Report
• California-Great Basin: Klamath River Basin, Klamath Project
• Bulletin | Report
• Columbia-Pacific Northwest: Ochoco Creek and Crooked River
• Bulletin | Report
• Lower Colorado Basin: Salt River Project, Salt and Verde Rivers
• Bulletin | Report
• Upper Colorado Basin: Rio Chama Studies from the University of New Mexico
• Reclamation’s Transmittal Report | Ecosystem Study | Economic Study | Legal Study

Contacts

For more information regarding the Reservoir Operations Pilot program please contact Sean Kimbrel at skimbrel@usbr.gov or 720-576-1323.

Announcements

• Reclamation releases report to show benefits of alternative reservoir operations

  The Bureau of Reclamation today released the final report for a pilot study assessing the economic and environmental benefits of alternative reservoir operations. The study - Economic Benefits of Alternative Reservoir Operations for Lake Mendocino - identifies innovative approaches to improve flood mitigation and drought resiliency using Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations. Read More →.

• Bureau of Reclamation releases report on reservoir operations pilot study for Salt and Verde Rivers in Arizona

  The Bureau of Reclamation has released a report that identifies innovative approaches to improve drought resiliency within the Washita Basin in Oklahoma. The study specifically looked at Foss and Fort Cobb Reservoirs, and the approach can be applied anywhere across the Western United States.
  

  Read Report

  Read Information Bulletin

• Bureau of Reclamation releases report on reservoir operations pilot study for Washita Basin in Oklahoma

  The Bureau of Reclamation has released a report that identifies innovative approaches to improve drought resiliency within the Washita Basin in Oklahoma. The study specifically looked at Foss and Fort Cobb Reservoirs, and the approach can be applied anywhere across the Western United States.
  Read Report