Colorado River Storage Project 

Flaming Gorge Working Group 

Meeting Minutes 

April 19, 2022 

Participation

This meeting was held Thursday, April 19, 2022, from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. The meeting was held via 

WebEx 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

Dale Hamilton (U. S. Bureau of Reclamation-Reclamation) called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m., 

discussed virtual meeting logistics, and introduced the meeting agenda and presenters: Brenda Alcorn, 

Tildon Jones, and himself. To avoid audio feedback, attendees were asked to introduce themselves via 

the chat function in the virtual meeting (attendees who identified themselves or were identified by their 

meeting attendee name were included in the list of attendees below).

Green and Yampa Rivers: Current Conditions and Forecasts 

Brenda Alcorn, Senior Hydrologist, National Weather Service (NWS), Colorado Basin River Forecast 

Center (CBRFC)

Brenda presented information on 2022 weather, snow, soil moisture, and runoff forecasts, as well as 

upcoming weather. 

Upper Green River basin water year precipitation thru March is near average overall (90% of average), 

due to above average October totals. November thru March precipitation totals are below average (75% 

of average). Yampa River basin water year precipitation thru March has fared better than the Upper Green 

since October (100%) with November thru March precipitation near average (90%). Average high 

temperatures were near normal when averaged over the entire month, with two short periods of much 

above normal temperatures (March 1-3 and March 26-29) which did result in a little more snowmelt than 

usual at the end of the month. For the first half of April, the Upper Green has seen great precipitation and 

the Yampa has been a little behind normal; temperatures have been slightly below normal. 

Snowpack has increased in both the Upper Green and Yampa since April 1 but is still below the daily 

median as well as the seasonal peak value. It is important to note that snow water equivalent vs runoff is 

not necessarily a one-to-one relationship; spring weather and soil moisture will play a role in final runoff 

volumes. Model snow (CBRFC model), which includes areas above and below SNOTEL sites and 

indicates upper elevation snow (which typically peaks in early May) is currently much below normal. On 

average, over half the unregulated runoff volume for Flaming Gorge comes from the Wind River Range 

which is currently much below median snowpack levels. 
Modeled soil moisture is generally much better than last year, but areas are still below to much below 

normal. 

Runoff forecasts decreased from January until March but have held relatively steady since March 1st. 

Current runoff forecast guidance for Flaming Gorge is 570,000 acre-feet (59% of average, 58% of 

median) with the potential to increase to ~91% of average with wet future conditions or decrease to ~41% 

of average with dry future conditions. Current runoff guidance for Yampa at Deerlodge is 920,000 acrefeet (77% of average) with the potential to increase (102% of average) or decrease (64% of average) 

depending on future conditions. On average, Flaming Gorge and Yampa River (Maybell) April 1 runoff 

volume forecasts contain +/-24% and +/-20% error, respectively, with error decreasing as the season 

progresses. Using current snow, soil, and streamflow conditions and 30 future weather scenarios (based 

on 1991-2020 historical data) peak streamflow forecasts are generated; Yampa at Deerlodge is currently 

forecasted to peak at ~11,300 cfs, and probabilistic model guidance indicates mid- to late-May could be 

the timing of the peak, but ultimately the timing will be determined by this year’s weather. Errors in 

volume and peak runoff forecasts are primarily due to future weather (uncertainty, extreme events), model 

snow states (verified as possible by satellite images and SNOTEL sites, new technologies are being 

investigated), and demand/diversion assumptions (for peak flows).

Weather is forecasted to be near to above normal through Friday with showers this weekend and 

temperatures rebounding early next week. The 8 to 14-day outlook indicates increased chances for below 

normal precipitation and above normal temperatures.

In summary, Upper Green snow conditions are below normal, especially in important runoff-producing 

areas of the Wind Rivers. Yampa snow conditions are below normal. Runoff volumes are expected to be 

below to much below normal. Peak flows are expected to be below normal. Weather forecasts indicate 

chances for additional precipitation followed by warm and dry in the 8- to 14-day period. There is still a 

lot of uncertainty in forecasts; spring weather can have a significant impact.

The CBRFC provides monthly water supply briefings this time of year. See the ‘News’ banner at the top 

of their website (https://www.cbrfc.noaa.gov) for more information or to join their email list.

Responding to a question about the 11,300 cfs peak, it was clarified that the peak is for the Yampa River 

near Deerlodge upstream of the confluence with the Green. 

Recovery Program 2022 Green River Flow Request

Tildon Jones, U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS), Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery 

Program (Recovery Program) 

Tildon presented information on the listed fish and Recovery Program, smallmouth bass flows, summer 

base flows, spring operations, and some preliminary 2021 flow spike results. 

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 
holistic way instead of 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 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. Instream flow management 

occurs throughout the Upper Colorado River Basin—Flaming Gorge is one of six points of flow control 

in the basin and is an important area as it impacts 300 to 400 miles of habitat. Different parts of the 

runoff hydrograph provide different benefits: substrate cleansing, sand transport, and migration cues as 

flows rise; floodplain access and channel maintenance as flows peak; spawning and emergence as flows 

reside; and early growth and survival as flows are low and temperatures are warmer. 

The Recovery Program’s 2022 Flow Request considered all hydrologic conditions, but given the current 

hydrology, priorities for dry to average below median conditions were highlighted. Priorities for Dry to 

Average below median are: 1) conduct a flow spike experiment to disadvantage smallmouth bass 

reproduction in Reaches 1 and 2, 2) exercise flexibility in the 2006 Record of Decision (ROD)to achieve 

preferred summer base flow range at the correct time for Colorado pikeminnow juveniles, and 3) Larvaltriggered spring peak flows for razorback sucker nursery habitat. 

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 (like this year) 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—and males guard the 

fry on the nests. Bass eggs and larvae are susceptible to increased river currents due to their nests being 

on top of the river substrate, their low swimming ability, and their reliance on being guarded/protected. 

Higher flows connect channels and increase water velocity and hopefully sweep the eggs out of the nests, 

and cooler water helps disrupt spawning behavior. The flow spike has impacts mostly in Dinosaur 

National Monument and downstream. The spike is likely to occur in mid- to late-June, with a three-day 

duration at powerplant capacity (~4600 cfs), similar to the flow spike that occurred in 2021. There will 

be extra monitoring to evaluate the response of both native and nonnative fish. The water temperatures 

will be within previously observed changes and are not expected to negatively affect native fish or 

insects. There will be creel surveys to assess potential fishery changes and vegetation monitoring.

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). 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). The Flaming Gorge Technical Working 

Group (FGTWG) will work with Reclamation to provide Reach 2 base flows in the preferred range when 

larvae are present through September. The flow request is for higher base flows than would be requested 

under the ROD /2000 Flow and Temperature Recommendations (Muth et al.). Dam releases would be 

dependent on Yampa flows and available water. 

Spring peak flow releases are part of normal operations (per the ROD). Spring releases are being 

requested to, if possible, be timed to benefit razorback sucker larvae (per the Larval Trigger Study PlanLTSP) with flows and duration to connect wetlands and carry larvae into those habitats, with timing and 

magnitude dependent on Yampa flows. 

Should hydrologic conditions turn dramatically wetter, the Recovery Program provided priorities for 

Average above median or wetter hydrologic conditions. Priorities for Average or wetter conditions are to 
provide: 1) spring release, 2) revised base flows for Colorado pikeminnow, and 3) smallmouth bass flow 

spike. 

Preliminary results of the 2022 flow spike experiment show that drift netting confirmed that bass fry were 

displaced. 2021 hydrologic conditions were similar to 2012 and 2013—high bass reproduction/catch-rate 

years—but the actual smallmouth bass catch rate was much lower. It was anticipated that timing the flow 

spike near the peak of bass hatching would sweep off recently hatched bass, sweep off soon to hatch eggs, 

and even discourage or delay spawning until later when survival rates are lower. Lodore and Whirlpool 

distributions of smallmouth hatching dates showed reductions similar to expected/anticipated patterns. 

The Lodore flow spike timing was about right, coming in the middle of the hatching distribution. The 

Whirlpool flow spike timing was later due to earlier bass hatching, which will be accounted for in the 

next flow spike. The effects on bass after the flow spike may be due to extended cooler temperatures. 

In response to a question about how many years it would take to have a significant impact on the bass 

population, Tildon mentioned that that’s still an unknown. It is believed that bass don’t live long. Kevin 

Bestgen added that it is important to note that last year was dry which would typically have been a huge 

spawning year for bass, but the experiment appears to have cut the count of successful bass spawning 

down to a roughly average year. 

Flaming Gorge Hydrology & Forecasted Operations 

Dale Hamilton, Division Manager, U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Dale presented background information on Flaming Gorge operations and the 2022 forecasted hydrology, 

the Recovery Program request and FGTWG proposal, and operations plan. 

The 1956 Colorado River Storage Project Act (CRSPA) authorized construction of Flaming Gorge Dam 

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

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

consumptive use, reclamation of arid and semiarid lands, flood control, and hydroelectric power 

generation. 

For operations, the Green River below Flaming Gorge is divided into three reaches: Reach 1 from 

Flaming Gorge Dam to the Yampa River confluence, Reach 2 from the Yampa River confluence to the 

White River confluence, and Reach 3 from the White River confluence to the confluence with the 

Colorado River. 

The water supply conditions as currently forecasted, put Flaming Gorge near the lower end of the 

Moderately Dry hydrologic classification. The Yampa is also in the Moderately Dry hydrologic 

condition. Forecasts indicate that the Yampa at Deerlodge is likely to exceed 8,000 cfs for ~14 days and 

is likely to exceed 10,000 cfs for ~5 days. 

The (ROD) calls for adaptive management of operations to maintain or improve conditions for the four 

listed fish species while minimizing negative effects to the authorized purposes of the dam. The adaptive 

management (four-step) process includes: 1) the Recovery Program requesting a flow regime, 2) the 

FGTWG proposing operations or flows to benefit the endangered fish, 3) the Flaming Gorge Working 

Group (this group) providing input and comments on the proposed operations, and 4) Reclamation 

finalizing the Flaming Gorge Operations Plan. Generally, operations consist of spring releases and ramp 

down rates timed with the Yampa, base flow ranges, summer temperature targets, release changes, and 

river stage change limits at the Jensen Gage.
The 2022 Recovery Program request and FGTWG proposal consisted of three scenarios based on 

hydrologic conditions: one for dry, moderately dry, or average below median conditions; one for average 

above median conditions; and one for moderately wet conditions. Our current hydrology indicates we’ll 

most likely have moderately dry conditions this year which would align with the dry, moderately dry, and 

average below median condition Recovery Program request priorities for a 1) smallmouth bass flow 

spike, 2) Colorado pikeminnow summer base flows, 3) LTSP spring releases. Spring releases for 

moderately dry hydrologic conditions would suggest flow ranges at the Jensen Gage (Reach 2) be 

between 8,300 and 14,000 cfs for between 7 and 14 or greater than 14 days, which would activate the 

Stewart Lake, Above Brennan, and Old Charley Wash wetlands. The smallmouth bass flow spike would 

be a one-day ramp up from base flows, a three-day hold at full powerplant capacity (~4,600 cfs), and a 

ramp down back to base flows at a rate of 2,000 cfs per day. Dale asked the group about recreation on the 

Juneteenth holiday and if the flow spike should be adjusted for the holiday. Based on comments, it 

doesn’t appear that the holiday should impact the timing of the smallmouth bass Flow Spike experiment. 

The Colorado pikeminnow summer base flows for moderately dry hydrologic conditions, per the 

proposed (LaGory et al.), would be between 1,800 and 2,000 cfs in reach 2. Spring peak release and 

summer Colorado pikeminnow base flow ranges are intended to correlate with each other. 

The Flaming Gorge Operation Plan for May 2022 through April 2023 will be approved and posted online 

in early May. Graphs showing the two release scenarios being considered (“No Drought Response 

Operation” and “Drought Response Operations (DRO) Plan”) were presented. For Moderately Dry 

hydrologic conditions, the blue curve “No Drought Response Operation”, due to the current reservoir 

water surface elevation of 6019 feet being below the desired 6025-6027 feet range, did not fulfill all 

priorities, but did fulfill the LTSP spring release and smallmouth bass spike flow; the orange curve “DRO 

Plan” includes an LTSP spring release at full bypass release for 7 days, the same smallmouth bass release, 

and elevated Colorado pikeminnow baseflows. 

In response to a request for clarification that the LTSP is the only driver for the bypass release, Dale 

stated that it is the volume proposed for release for Lake Powell drought response that is driving increased 

releases that are being shaped by the LTSP. 

In response to a question about experimental priorities under the no drought operation, Dale stated that 

under the no drought response operation scenario the Colorado pikeminnow baseflow experiment 

(priority 3) would not be implemented in favor of storing more water in Flaming Gorge. Priorities 1 and 

2 would be implemented. 

In response to a question as to whether scenarios to move Drought Response Operation Agreement 

(DROA) water without using the bypass have been considered, Dale stated that Reclamation has 

considered a myriad of scenarios. A request was made by Colorado River Energy Distributors 

Association (CREDA) and Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) to not use the bypass due to the 

use of the bypass impacting power production and revenue. WAPA commented that the version of the 

DRO Plan they previously commented on had a spring peak release at powerplant capacity for two weeks, 

which they would have much more support for than a one-week release at bypass capacity and they would 

like more discussion on the biological imperative of the higher release in a moderately dry year. The 

benefit of keeping the release at powerplant capacity as opposed to bypass would be substantial. Several

comments on biological benefits were shared including there being a number of wetlands that likely 

couldn’t be used at the lower peak, National Park Service (NPS) believes using the bypass for this water 

is consistent with the ROD, the GREAT, and the recovery program request for this year and would 

provide benefits of channel width maintenance and native vegetation goals, as well as providing some 

improvements to fish habitat in floodplains and backwaters. NPS had previously commented that a 
portion of the DRO additional water be released in a spring peak, however a later/prolonged peak is likely 

to push the smallmouth bass flow spike into the Colorado pikeminnow spawning period, so NPS supports 

leaving use of the bypass on the table. FWS expressed concerns with extending the spring peak flows and 

staying at powerplant capacity and potentially delaying the smallmouth bass spawning (flow spike) and 

pikeminnow spawning. Flow and temperature are larvae triggers for pikeminnow spawning and 

extending the spring peak releases may delay spawning to the detriment of the species.

In response to a question as to when we would know if the DRO Plan goes into effect, Dale stated that the 

hope is to have the decision finalized by the first part of May. 

In response to a question about the duration of the proposed spring peak, Dale stated that it is a 7-day 

release at bypass capacity.

The release plans for Dry and Average below median were also briefly presented.

Moving forward, we’ll continue to monitor CBRFC forecasts. Current average daily releases are at 850 

cfs to achieve the target of less than 6027 feet pool elevation by May 1st. The state is conducting a fishery 

assessment (electro fishing) April 25-26. The Flaming Gorge Operation Plan will be finalized in early 

May after considering any comments from this meeting.

Flaming Gorge Drought Operations

Dale Hamilton, Division Manager, U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Bart Leeflang, Central Utah Water Conservancy District (working with the State of Utah on DROA) 

Dale presented information on the status of (CRSP) reservoirs, background of the DROA, the DRO Plan 

Development, Flaming Gorge drought response scenario options and modeling, Flaming Gorge resource 

potential impacts, and the DRO Plan schedule.

The Colorado Basin is experiencing its 22nd year of drought. It has been the driest 22-year period on 

record. The combined storage of Lake Powell and Lake Mead has dropped from 95% full in 1999 to 28% 

full in 2022. Lake Mead elevations have decreased from 95% full in 1999 to 32% of capacity in 2022 

(April 12). Lake Powell elevation has dropped from 95% full in 1999 and went below elevation 3525 feet 

on March 14, 2022 (the elevation that the Drought Response Operations Agreement was intended to 

protect) and is at 24% of capacity. 

The Lake Powell elevation projections from the April 24-month study show Lake Powell dipping below 

3525 feet briefly this year and again next year with minimum probable projections approaching and 

crossing the minimum power pool (3490 feet) beginning in 2024. The Flaming Gorge water surface 

elevation hit 6018.75 feet on April 12, 2022. Dale shared aerial images of Lake Powell showing the 

decreasing reservoir surface area near the Bullfrog Marina and stated that as he understands it, the 

decision on whether the Bullfrog Marina is open or not is currently a day-by-day decision. If Lake 

Powell falls below elevation 3490 feet, power generation would no longer be possible. Lake Powell 

provides power to 5-million customers in seven states (Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, New 

Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming) as well as several Native American Tribes. And Glen Canyon was not 

designed to rely solely on the outlet works bypass pipes for long durations. They have less flexibility for 

maintenance and could potentially limit the ability to release the full 1922 Colorado River Compact 

allotment to the Lower Basin. The Lower Basin also has interest in maintaining Lake Powell above 

elevation 3490 feet. 
The DROA is an element of the Drought Contingency Plan (signed into law in May 2019) to address 

water elevations in key Colorado River reservoirs. The purpose is to minimize the risk of Lake Powell 

falling below the target elevation of 3525 feet (35 feet above the minimum power pool elevation of 3490 

feet) and thereby fulfill compact obligations, maintain hydropower production, and minimize adverse 

effects to resources and infrastructure. The Agreement directed Upper Basin States (Wyoming, Utah, 

Colorado, and New Mexico) and Reclamation to develop a DRO Plan. Dale highlighted two significant 

sections of the DROA: 1) section II.A.3.c ensures participation from all CRSPA initial units uniformly, 

including operational adjustments at Lake Powell (Reclamation held back 350,000 acre-feet in Lake 

Powell to be released later); and 2) section II.A.3.d states that releases “may not be recommended if they 

are ultimately determined to be futile to achieve the goals or intent of the DROA” (i.e., maintaining power 

generation at Lake Powell). 

Since July 2021 Reclamation and the Upper Basin states have been developing a DRO Plan. The Draft 

Plan has two parts: 1) the Plan Framework which provides general, static guidance including authorities 

and outlines what information should be included in Plan Attachments, and 2) the Plan Attachments, 

which are specific to operations for a specific year, are developed each spring with adjustments as needed 

(similar to the development of the Flaming Gorge Operation Plan) based on hydrologic conditions. The 

Draft DRO Plan Framework can be found at https://www.usbr.gov/dcp/droa.html. The Plan Attachments 

for this (2022) year are still in development. The DRO Plan outlines criteria for accounting and recovery. 

125,000 acre-feet of additional releases were made from Flaming Gorge last year which resulted in a 3-to4-foot drop in Flaming Gorge. The Plan indicates two alternatives for storage recovery: 1) cumulative 

volume recovery, where release volumes are tracked and recovered via decreased releases in future years, 

and 2) initial unit operating target elevation. For Flaming Gorge, if the May 1st target elevation of 6023-

6027 is hit, the storage would be considered recovered. 

Bart Leeflang presented information from a modeling effort that Utah recently undertook. Utah has 

worked to perform modeling analysis of the potential range of releases necessary to protect critical 

infrastructure at Lake Powell. The model runs were based on CBRFC’s 1991-2020 runoff forecast traces 

and an additional most probable hydrology trace. Note that the results are limited to the range of 

conditions experienced between 1991 and 2020. Model results were displayed as a figure showing the 

statistical Lake Powell elevation range from March 2022 thru March 2024, with uncertainty increasing 

the further the forecast extends into the future. Based on the analysis, a volume of 1 million-acre-feet 

would be necessary to be 100% confident of holding Lake Powell above 3490 feet through May 2023, 

and doing nothing, there would be 70% confident that Lake Powell would not drop below 3490 feet 

through May 2023. DROA parties have evaluated a range of DROA scenarios to improve confidence of 

maintaining Lake Powell at or above elevation 3490 feet during the January to May 2023 period including 

a release of 500 thousand-acre-feet (kaf) which would decrease the likelihood of going below 3490 feet in 

March 2023 from ~30% to ~20% (a 10% improvement in confidence). 

In response to a question of whether the 500 kaf mentioned in the modeling effort includes the 350 kaf 

already held back, it was stated that it does not, the 350 kaf is a separate number.

Dale noted that there are two methods to address decreases in Lake Powell storage: 1) the DRO Plan (500 

kaf proposed release from Flaming Gorge), and 2) Lake Powell annual release reduction under the interim 

guidelines cooperative action (outside of the DROA, Department of Interior (DOI) is proposing reducing 

the 2022 annual release volume from 7.48 million-acre-feet by 480 kaf to 7.0 million-acre-feet, with the 

future release of the 480 kaf to be determined). The combination of these two methods reduces the 

probability of Lake Powell falling below 3490 feet to nearly zero percent probability. 
A myriad of DROA release scenarios have been considered with the 500 kaf release from Flaming Gorge 

being the most likely. Without the proposed DRO releases, the Flaming Gorge elevation would be near 

6025 feet by May 2023. With the proposed DRO releases, the Flaming Gorge elevation would be near 

6010 feet by May 2023. 

Dale shared information on the impacts of Flaming Gorge going down to elevation 6010 feet. The 

Environmental Impact Statement contained low-end “facility usability thresholds” which were initially 

thought to be related to physical boat ramp bottom elevations. It is believed that boat ramp bottom 

elevations provided by the Forest Service are likely accurate, but funding is being acquired to survey the 

boat ramps to verify the elevations. At elevation 6010 feet, Horseshoe Canyon is impassible, the 

Buckboard floating barge won’t pull water from as deep which could later be impacted by algae, the 

Cedar Springs floating restroom was moved last week to a deeper but less-preferred location. There are 

also primitive campsites around the reservoir rim that will likely be impacted. Please provide any 

additional information on impacts you may know about to Dale (dthamilton@usbr.gov) and/or Nathaniel 

(ntodea@usbr.gov). Flaming Gorge has been to elevation 6010 feet in the past 20 years, if you were 

around and remember conditions in the early 2000s, please help us understand what impacts we’re likely 

to experience.

The DRO Plan remaining schedule includes: an Upper Colorado River Commission special session on 

April 21st, DOI review from April 22nd to 29th, implementation beginning in May, and ongoing DROA 

partner coordination meetings.

General Discussion, Comments, Questions 

Following Dale’s presentation, there was a wide-ranging comment and question and answer session. 

Dale asked the group if they’d experienced similar reservoir conditions (elevation 6010 feet) and asked 

for feedback; Jack Lytle replied that it seems similar to 2003 and he’d experienced it. And it was stated 

that much of South Buckboard will be unusable. 

In response to a question of water conservation downstream, Dale replied that the lower basin is already 

taking cuts, but the states regulate the water rights in each state.

It was stated that CREDA had submitted comments on the draft plan and asked if there will be a revision, 

Dale replied that a revision will be coming out. Chris Brown from Wyoming stated that the states are 

working hard to incorporate the April runoff forecast and other operation plans into the DRO Plan; the 

hope is to have the draft framework and draft attachments posted tomorrow; and an attempt to address 

comments from CREDA and WAPA has been made.

Clarification was requested on how low Flaming Gorge is expected to drop by the end of September, Dale 

stated that the proposed drought operation plan would put the reservoir between 6010 feet and maybe 

6012.5 feet; the no drought response plan would put the reservoir at roughly 6019 feet (about where we 

are currently). The reservoir is currently at 6018 feet (almost 6019 feet); under the no DRO plan, the 

reservoir would go up about five or six feet to about a water surface elevation 6024-6025 feet; under the 

drought response operations, the reservoir would drop about 8 or 9 feet to about elevation 6010 feet. 

Several comments were made in the chat on the use of the bypass during spring peak releases and seeking 

clarification on the biological benefit of the bypass this year. George Weekley (FWS) noted that there are 

several wetlands in Reach 2 that connect to the river at 14,000-16,000 cfs; depending on the flows from 

the Yampa, use of the bypass could allow for more wetlands to be connected. Rick Baxter (U.S. Bureau 
of Reclamation) also mentioned that the spring peak should be commensurate with elevated base flows. 

T Wright stated that he is opposed to the bypass flow. 

A comment was made stating that the uncertainty of known elevations (boat ramps) is concerning. 

Several meeting attendees asked to be added to the email list for notifications. To be added to the list, 

email your contact information to Dale (dthamilton@usbr.gov).

Jack Lytle (Dagget County Commissioner) noted that a call for agricultural water is a concern; Lake 

Powell is low, but Flaming Gorge is experiencing high visitation; in 2003 from his recollection, all the 

boat ramps in Utah were still functional but could potentially have some issues now (looking at the ramps 

is a good idea); and the impacts can and will be great if Flaming Gorge water surface elevation falls to 

6000 feet. Chris Brown noted that the potential for calls for water from the upper basin is a main reason 

Wyoming entered into the Drought Contingency Plan in 2019; the intent would be to first use 

uncommitted storage to mitigate risk downstream if needed, before shutting off uses. Jack noted that 

Dutch John gets water from the reservoir, and it needs to be determined how low they pull water, they 

have 10,000 acre-feet of water they don’t want to lose; Dale stated that Dutch John can get water down to 

dead pool elevation 5740 feet. 

In response to a question asking for the probability that the no drought response plan will be utilized, 

Chris Brown stated that they’re getting close to deciding that 500,000-acre-foot release plan from 

Flaming Gorge will be implemented. And while Blue Mesa and Navajo aren’t currently planned to make 

additional releases, if conditions improve at those reservoirs, releases could be planned for later this year 

or into 2023. 

Comments were made that there are potential impacts to the fishery in the reservoir, particularly the 

kokanee population. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Wyoming Game and Fish have concerns 

about impacts to the fishery as a whole and specifically kokanee. From surveys, approximately 60% of 

angler preference is kokanee salmon, and the kokanee population has declined in recent years. Looking at 

hydroacoustic numbers, the lowest numbers of kokanee were observed in 2008, about four years after the 

low reservoir elevation years of ~2003-2004. It appears likely that the low reservoir levels had a direct 

impact on the populations in the reservoir.

In response to a question as to whether the 7-day bypass release will be made regardless of Yampa flows, 

Dale and George Weekley stated that it is planned to be run like an LTSP year considering Yampa flows 

and flow targets to inundate wetlands. For the drought response operations release of 500,000 acre-feet, 

if the full bypass release for 7-days is not made, coordination will need to be done to ensure the volume is 

released.

A chat comment asked to please pay attention to the impacts that lowering water levels will have on 

campground swimming beaches, especially Sunny Cove near Dutch John and Firehole in Wyoming. 

In reply to a question asking if there are plans to monitor the total flow volume released and estimate the 

amount received at Powell, it was stated that yes, there are plans.

Dale closed the meeting by thanking the participants for their time and comments and asking that if 

anyone has additional comments, they be sent to him (dthamilton@usbr.gov).

Next Meeting

• Thursday, August 25, 2022, at 10:00 am in Vernal (tentative)
Attendees

Steve Craig Fisherman

Woody Bair Flaming Gorge Resort 

Cody Perry Friends of the Yampa

Tim Gaylord Holiday River Expeditions 

Jen Callantine Dinosaur River Expeditions 

Darren Bowcutt GROGA, WRF Guides

Tony Valdez Buckboard Marina at FG 

Jen Valdez Buckboard Marina at FG 

Shane DuBois Buckboard Marina at FG 

John Rauch Cedar Springs Marina

Stacey Rauch Cedar Springs Marina 

Jerry Taylor Lucerne Valley Marina

Jill Taylor Lucerne Valley Marina

Brant Williams Lucerne Valley Marina

Jessica Williams Lucerne Valley Marina

Simone Griffin BlueRibbon Coalition 

Bruce Lavoie OARS

Laura Belanger Western Resource Adv.

T. Wright Dickinson Vermillion Ranch

Grizz Oleen Caerus Oil and Gas LLC

Ted Rampton 

Craig Sturm Facebook Blogger 

Todd Jones 

Kevin Bestgen Colorado State University 

Jack Lytle Daggett Co. Commissioner 

Matt Cazier Uintah County 

Kirk Robbins Uintah County MAD 

Lisa Herrera Green River Chamber 

Mark Kot Rock Springs WWDC

Brad Brooks City of Cheyenne 

Michelle Garrison Colorado Water Cons. Brd. 

Jared Hansen Cent. Utah Water Cons Dist

Bart Leeflang Cent. Utah Water Cons Dist

Kevin Workman Cent. Utah Water Cons Dist

Russ Franklin Cent. Utah Water Cons Dist

Shane Coors Precision Water Resc. Eng.

William Merkley Uintah Water Cons. District

Tom Kleinschnitz Visit Moffat County

Colleen Cunningham New Mexico ISC

Darrell Gillman Utah Dept. Ag. And Food 

Ryan Jones Utah Dept. Ag. And Food

Matthew Webb Utah Div. Water Rights

Andrew Dutson Utah Div. Water Rights

Chris Keleher Utah Div. Wildlife Resrc.

Craig Walker Utah Div. Wildlife Resrc.

Drew Cushing Utah Div. Wildlife Resrc.

Trina Hedrick Utah Div. Wildlife Resrc.

Matt Breen Utah Div. Wildlife Resrc.

Ryan Mosley Utah Div. Wildlife Resrc.

John Walrath Wyo. Game and Fish Dept. 

Robert Keith Wyo. Game and Fish Dept. 

Chris Brown State of Wyoming

Danielle Bettencourt Wyo. Coalition of Local Gvts 

Leslie James Col. Riv. Energy Dist Assoc

George Weekley U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service 

Tildon Jones U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service 

Kevin McAbee U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service 

Julie Stahli U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service 

Derek Fryer Western Area Power Admin.

Shane Capron Western Area Power Admin.

Brenda Alcorn Col. Basin Riv. Forecast Ctr. 

Rob Billerbeck Nat. Park Service 

Melissa Trammell Nat. Park Service 

Stephanie Anderson U. S. Forest Service

Coleson Kastelic U. S. Forest Service

Amee Andreason U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Dale Hamilton U. S. Bureau of Reclamation

Dave Speas U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Ed Warner U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Gary Henrie U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Heather Patno U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Jared Baxter U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Jenny Erickson U. S. Bureau of Reclamation

Kathy Callister U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Kent Kofford U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Lee Traynham U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Nathaniel Todea U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Peter Crookston U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Rick Baxter U. S. Bureau of Reclamation

Ryan Christianson U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Scott Elliott U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Susan Behery U. S. Bureau of Reclamation