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Colorado River Storage Project 

Flaming Gorge Working Group 

Meeting Minutes 

August 23, 2023 

Participation

This meeting was held Wednesday, August 23, 2023, from 10:00 am to approximately 11:30 am. The 

meeting was at the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Northeastern Region 318 N. Vernal Ave., Vernal, 

Utah office and via Microsoft Teams virtual meeting. Attendees are listed below.

Purpose of Meeting

The purpose of these working group meetings is to inform the public and other interested parties of 

Reclamation’s current and future operational plans and to gather information from the public regarding 

specific resources associated with Flaming Gorge Reservoir and the river corridor below it. In addition, 

the meetings are used to coordinate activities and exchange information among agencies, water users, and 

other interested parties concerning the Green River.

General

Alexander Pivarnik (United States Bureau of Reclamation - Reclamation) called the meeting to order and 

introduced the meeting agenda and presenters: Brenda Alcorn, Tildon Jones, Nathaniel Todea, and 

himself. To avoid audio feedback, attendees were asked to introduce themselves via the sign in sheet for 

in-person attendees and the chat function for virtual attendees (attendees who identified themselves were

included in the list of attendees below).

Flaming Gorge Reservoir: Current Conditions and Forecasts 

Brenda Alcorn, Senior Hydrologist, National Weather Service (NWS), CBRFC 

Presentation consisted of review of past season, weather conditions, snowpack and forecast, and current 

conditions.

Discussed April 1 Conditions – Water year precipitation Oct-March is 105% of normal. Month of March 

precipitation was estimated to be 145% of average. Temperature was 7-9 degrees below average. Lower 

elevation snow water equivalent (SWE) was 300-500 % of median. Higher elevation SWE was near 

115% of median, not significantly high. At this point average runoff was predicted for the Green. Yampa 

River was at 135% SWE and flooding was predicted during the runoff season. Cooler weather helped 

prevent sudden runoff.. Flooding did not occur in the extended forecast. 

Discussed June 1, April / May forecast. April precipitation was near 95% of median and was less in the 

Wind River Range. Temperature in April was below normal. May precipitation was dry and 65% of 

median. June snow conditions were 65% at high elevations. April-May water supply was observed was 

about 150 % of runoff. June 1, forecast is below average, 91% runoff predicted for June-July, but the 

April-July forecast is 113%.

April-May precipitation totals were below normal, especially in the Yampa basin. While overall 

maximum temperatures were below normal for April, a warm period near the middle of the month caused 

some rapid melt in the lower elevations.
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Winds, rank #1 for June 2023 with precipitation around 5-7 inches. June observed runoff was 150% of 

average at Flaming Gorge and 130% at Yampa-Deerlodge. Overall SWE across the Upper Green peaked 

around the normal time (first part of April). Snow below ~8500’ peaked much later and higher than usual. 

Was a bigger factor in April-July runoff volumes than in most years. Higher elevation snow peak and 

melt timing were about normal. June precipitation did not show up so much as an increase in SWE, but 

can see it as a change in the slope of the melt. 

Wind Rivers- Snow conditions, ten SNOTEL stations, with equal weight from a range of elevation, 7800-

9500 feet, is 115% at time of peak. At 7500-13800 feet, the entire range, later peak seen. Segment zone 

plot, three elevation zones, 7500-8500, 8500-10000, 10000-13000. This results on max out another 

month later. 

This discussion included an overview of the April – July Water Supply evolution plot. Green-January was 

below average, March 85% of average. Model guidance is increasing. April forecast is 109% of average, 

near average, followed by May a small increase. May was dry and lower elevation resulted in running 

off. Still a high uncertainty in model. June remained at 113% of average. Then July increased to 131% 

of average. The observed was about 950 kaf or 130% of average. This fell outside 10% range from 

previous forecast, but this should be expected. Yampa - Rapid melt of much above normal lower 

elevation snow in mid-April led to record flows for that time of year. Late April through early May flows 

were near record each day and remained above average into July. Near record dry May and warm/cool 

spring temperature pattern had a big effect on final peak flow magnitude The wet June did not have as 

much impact here as the average precipitation values are much lower than in the Upper Green and it only 

ranked in the top 5-10 on record. Yampa were near the 25th percentile at the beginning of the year, 

similar to where they were in 2022. Current flows are above where they were a year ago. Chances appear 

good for both basins to enter winter with higher base flows than last year.

Streamflow to date from Jan 2022 was discussed. August precipitation has been above normal in the 

Upper Green so far this month. Streamflow in the Upper Green was near the 25th percentile at the 

beginning of the year, similar to where it was in 2022. Current flows are above where they were a year 

ago. Chances appear good to enter winter with higher base flows than last year.

Days 1-7: Forecast precipitation totals <0.5” in the area above Fontenelle. Longer term: Increased 

chances for above normal temperatures and above normal precipitation in the 8-14 day period. Increased 

chances for below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation in the Upper Green in weeks 3-4. 

Recovery Program 2023 Green River Flow Request Review

Tildon Jones, Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program (Recovery Program)

Tildon presented information on the listed fish and Recovery Program, the 2023 flow request, and some 

preliminary results from this year’s experiments.

There are four listed fish (3 endangered, 1 threatened) in the Colorado River that are all native to the basin 

and found nowhere else: Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychochelius lucius, endangered), Razorback sucker 

(Xyrauchen texanus, endangered), Bonytail (Gila elegans, endangered), and Humpback chub (Gila cypha, 

threatened). They all live up to 40+ years and the Colorado pikeminnow and the Razorback sucker are 

highly migratory. 

The Recovery Program was established in 1988 among several partners with the goal to recover the 

endangered fish while water development proceeds by balancing Endangered Species Act compliance 

with the Law of the River. The Recovery Program provides Endangered Species Act compliance in a 
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holistic way rather than individual entities being required to manage recovery efforts in smaller areas; the 

Program covers over 2,000 projects and over 2.8 million acre-feet of water used each year in Colorado, 

Utah, and Wyoming. There are five recovery elements: Habitat/Flow Management, Habitat 

Development, Stocking Endangered Fish, Managing Nonnative Fish, and Research and Monitoring. 

The Recovery Program’s 2023 Flow Request considered all hydrologic conditions, but given the current 

hydrology, priorities for average above median to Mod wet conditions were highlighted. Priorities for 

average above median are: 1) Larval-triggered spring peak flows for razorback sucker nursery habitat, 2) 

Experimental summer base flows to benefit Colorado pikeminnow juveniles, and 3) Flow spike 

experiment to reduce smallmouth (SMB) bass reproduction. Tildon presented details of the three 

priorities in chronological order.

Larval-triggered spring peak flows are intended to get razorback sucker larvae into nursery habitats. 1st 

larvae was observed May 31, then none June 1. June 2nd Larval Trigger Study Plan (LTSP) requested 

(weekend) and releases occurred June 6-12. 7 days of releases were preformed: 7 days >14,000 cfs at 

Jensen (max. 19,300 cfs). A peak flow of 20,300 cfs was observed on May 18th. This was due to Yampa 

flows earlier in the season. Success rates will be measured this fall and spring. 

The smallmouth bass (SMB) flow experiment was cancelled this season due to modelled and predicted 

negative impact to Colorado pikeminnow larvae. The flow spike experiment is designed to negatively 

impact smallmouth bass—an invasive species that affects native fish. Bass show higher spawning 

success in dry years and have reached high numbers in some reaches. The hope is that the flow spike can 

have river-wide benefit. Smallmouth bass build nests in calm, warm water—timing is closely linked to 

temperature and flow. Risk of negative effects to Colorado pikeminnow larvae too high. Moving 

experiment earlier overlapped holiday and reduced effects on smallmouth bass. Decided to forego/cancel 

flow spike. Pikeminnow was observed July 8-10. 

Base flows are requested with the goal to improve survival and recruitment of young Colorado 

pikeminnow by reaching base flows by the time pikeminnow emerge (average July 3). This year 

Pikeminnow observed July 8-10. Improved numbers of juveniles have been observed when mean 

August–September flows are between 1,700 and 3,000 cfs at Jensen (Reach 2). Historically, Colorado 

pikeminnow larvae start drifting out of the Yampa River between mid-June and mid- to late-July (average 

July 3), likely later into July this year. Base flows are planned to target flows at Jensen >2,200 cfs 

through September when larvae are present. 

Future Recovery work to include ongoing monitoring, wetland draining this autumn, Colorado 

pikeminnow sampling now through September, and vegetation monitoring in the coming weeks. 

Flaming Gorge Reservoir Hydrology and Forecasted Operations

Nathaniel Todea, Hydraulic Engineer, Reclamation

Nathaniel presented information on observed 2023 operations and planned 2023 operations at Flaming 

Gorge Reservoir. 

Overview of 1956 Colorado River Storage Project Act. Authorized construction of Flaming Gorge Dam 

and other projects for: allowing Upper Basin States to utilize their 1922 Colorado River Compact 

apportionments, regulating flow of Colorado River (and its main tributaries), storing water for beneficial 

consumptive use, Reclamation of arid and semi-arid lands, flood control, and hydroelectric power 

generation. 
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Flaming Gorge operations are determined using the 2005 EIS, the 2006 ROD, and adaptive management 

principles. Reclamation works with the Recovery Program , Flaming Gorge Technical Working Group, 

and Flaming Gorge Working Group to develop study plans each year. 

And most recently, the 2019 Drought Contingency Plan Authorization Act has added another layer onto 

our operations that I’ll cover more in the Drought Response Operations presentation.

These Base Operations are relative to Geographic Scope. Reach 1 from Flaming Gorge Dam to Yampa 

River Confluence. Reach 2 from Yampa River Confluence to White River confluence. Reach 3 from 

White River confluence to confluence of Green and Colorado Rivers. These reaches are important when 

we are talking about release targets specified in the ROD, EIS, or subsequent study plans. Flow and 

temperature requirements are generally listed in terms of flows in Reach 2 as measured near Jensen, Utah. 

This is because the flows, temperature, and habitat are generally more conducive for the native 

endangered species.

The Flaming Gorge Reservoir May 1st April through July April through July forecasted May inflow 

volume is 1,300,000 acre-feet. 31% exceedance @ 135% of average, an average (above median) 

hydrologic classification.

Yampa River at Maybell plus Lily May 1st April through July forecasted unregulated inflow volume is 

2,200,000 acre-feet. Currently showing 4% Exceedance @ 180% of Average, a wet hydrologic 

condition.

The Flaming Gorge Reservoir April through July April through July observed inflow volume is 1,470,000 

acre-feet. 21% Exceedance @ 152% of Average, a moderately wet hydrologic classification.

This year's summer operation are such a moderately wet hydrologic classification was targeted, 2200-

2800 cfs in reach 2 (Bestgen and Hill 2016). 

The updated Operation Plan release hydrograph (average above median) was highlighting in graphical 

form. The graph shows a LTSP spring operations and optional SMB flow spike. 

LTSP spring releases were timed with a biological trigger. After public notification, releases from 

Flaming Gorge Dam were increased to the full powerplant capacity of 4,600 cfs and the full bypass 

capacity of 4,000 cfs on June 8, 2023 for four days then ramped down by 2,000 cfs/day to 900 cfs. Yampa 

River flows at the Deerlodge gage during the spring peak peaked at 20,100 cfs on May 18, 2023. The 

peak release from Flaming Gorge Dam occurred after the Yampa River peak. Flows measured on the 

Green River at the Jensen, Utah gage reached levels at or above 18,600 cfs for 8 days in May and June, 

2023, with an average daily peak of 20,100 cfs (569 cms) on May 19, 2023. The spring peak release in 

Reach 2 for this hydrologic classification is greater than or equal to 18,600 cfs for 8 days.

After much consideration, the Flaming Gorge Technical Working Group representatives, Recovery 

Program, and subject matter experts agreed that the smallmouth bass spike flow experiment will not be 

recommended this operational year. This was due to potential negative impacts to the endangered 

Colorado pikeminnow (CPM).

This year's summer operation are such a moderately wet classification was targeted, 2,200-2800 cfs in 

reach 2 (Bestgen and Hill 2016). Note this image is from a moderately wet Figure, oppose to the Average 

(above median), the slide before. 

Autumn and winter base flow were part of Drought Response Operation Agreement (DROA) 2022 and an 

average operation was targeted. This included flows in reach 2 between 2000-2500 cfs, using the 
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+25/+40% flexibility. DROA 2022 ended in March 2022. Recovery began in March. The low releases 

in May, June, and July were as a result of aggressive recovery. The May 1st elevation was near 6010’, in 

a “normal” with forecasted conditions without DROA, the pool elevation would have been at <6024’ for 

the upper limit drawdown limit, base on a wetter hydrology. In June, the LTSP was targeted for an 

Average (above median) target based on official May 1st forecast. 

This year's summer operation are such a moderately wet classification was targeted, 2,200-2800 cfs in

reach 2 (Bestgen and Hill 2016). Note this image is from a moderately wet Figure, oppose to the Average 

(above median), the slide before. 

The Utah Fish Monitoring (or Tail Water Assessment) is scheduled for September 5-6 (late evening early 

morning) – This is where flows are adjusted to a predictable flow rate of 1,600 cfs.

And then to reiterate, we are in the baseflow period where we are releasing ~1,800 cfs to achieve >2,200 

cfs in Reach 2, summer base flow period.

This will be followed by the autumn and winter base flow period where we will release ~1,600-1900 cfs 

to achieve >2,400 cfs in Reach 2, likely becoming ~1,900 cfs release in December through February

Then the transition period releases are unknown and will be dependent on the forecasted Upper Limit 

Drawdown Level. 

Colorado River Storage Project – Drought Response Operations 

Alexander Pivarnik, River Operation Group Supervisor

Introductions

DROA 2023 plan focuses on recovery. No plans for DROA release at this point and time. Graph was 

presented showing theoretical and planned/observed operations from May 2023 through April 2024. 

Accumulated DRO recovery is also displayed. By the end of February 2023 Flaming Gorge is expected to 

have recovered. The recovery includes 2021/2022 DRO releases. 

DROA Accounting, release volumes with elevation were discussed. Theoretical versus observed / 

planned releases was illustrated. There are two ways to constitute recovery, incremental recovery and 

pool elevation. The elevation based it to meet the drawdown target and for the April through July 

forecast having an exceedance value greater than 40%. The elevation will lower pending wetter 

hydrology. Note that recovery is expected to occur at the February end of month and that at that point 

March and April compare. 

DROA release in calendar year 2021 was 125,000 acre feet at Flaming Gorge. In DROA year 2022, the 

planned DROA volume was 500,000 acre feet. The DROA 2022 was suspended in March and recovery 

was also started in March. The DROA volume in operation year 2022 was 328,000 acre feet, thus 

463,000 is the total DROA volume released at Flaming Gorge. The DROA Recovery through July 2023 

is 193,000-acre feet. By March 2024 260,000-acre feet is planned to be recovered. At Blue Mesa 

(Aspinall Units) full recovery (36,000 acre feet) is expected to occur at the end of December 2023 the 

water surface elevation at 6490 feet as well as incremental recovery. 

General Discussion, Comments, Questions 

Following Alex’s presentation, attendee groups were provided the opportunity to ask questions or provide 

comments. 
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Unknown: Projected flow of base flows and daily peaks for the winter? Are they going to reduced? 

Nathaniel Todea answered: based on hydrology and do not have the exact plan until we have the previous 

months observed unregulated inflow. 2,400 cfs at Jensen gage and likely 2,100 cfs for winter releases. 

Dale Hamilton: What does the 24 month study (MS) project for Flaming Gorge? Alexander Pivarnik’s

response: presented the current Aug. study and reviewed the 24 month study. Predicted to hit the upper 

drawdown limit for both spring 2024 and spring 2025. Based on hydrology will change the exact 

drawdown target elevations. 

Bruce with Orrs: thank you for the opportunity and comment on low flows. June and July were difficult

because they were below 850 cfs. For both safety and for business. Alexander Pivarnik’s response: we 

appreciate the comment and understand the difficulty of this season, there were many challenges for the 

early spring and summer operations this year. 

Alex will send an email with future dates and locations are TBD for working group meeting. 

Next Meeting

• Pending

Attendees

Cheyenne Reid University of Utah

Emily Higuera Arizona Water

Taylor McKinnon 

Foster, Georgia L Bureau of Land Management

Mead, Jaydon B Bureau of Land Management

Sarah Bargsten Cheyenne Brd. of Pub. Util.

Bestgen,Kevin Colorado State University

Jared Hansen Central Utah Water Conservation District

Andrews, Jaron R US Fish and Wildlife

Cary Asper 

Billerbeck, Rob P National Park Service

Griswold, Jason K National Park Service

Pedro, William R National Park Service

Trammell, Melissa National Park Service

Sobien, Helen, OSE New Mexico Office of State Engineer

Andreason, Amee A Reclamation 

Baxter, Rick J Reclamation 

Behery, Susan Reclamation 

Bryant, Becki M Reclamation 

Callahan, Michael J Reclamation 

Callister, Kathleen E Reclamation 

Crookston, Peter L Reclamation 

Deppe, Valerie J Reclamation 

Elbrock, Billy R Reclamation 

Erickson, Jennifer (Jenny) Reclamation 

Hamilton, Dale T Reclamation 

Knight, Erik L Reclamation 

Martin, Riley M Reclamation 
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Pivarnik, Alexander J Reclamation 

Speas, David W Reclamation 

Todea, Nathaniel Reclamation 

Traynham, Lee E Reclamation 

Warner, Louis (Ed) Reclamation 

Nathaniel Todea Reclamation

Bonomo, Cherette FS, UT US Department of Agriculture

Despain, Tara FS, UT US Department of Agriculture

Heath, Brett FS, UT US Department of Agriculture

Jones, Ryan FPAC-NRCS, UTUS Department of Agriculture

William Merkley Utah Water Conservation District

Fryer, Derek WAPA

Harris, Courtney WAPA

Chris Brown State of Wyoming

Mel Fegler Wyo. State Engineer's Office

Nathaniel Todea Reclamation

Brenda Alcorn CBRFC 

Wolfgang Hanft CBRFC 

Darrell Gillman UDAF

Bruce Lavore OARS

Valton Mortenson Ashley NF 

Tildon Jones Recovery Program

Woody Bar Flaming Gorge Resort 

Jordan Dimick Trout Unlimited 

Randy Asay Dagget County

Jack Weimer 

Jeanie Weimer 

John Rauch 

Lucerne Valley Marina 

Ted Rampton 

Whitney Coonrod

Alex Brooks (Lotic)