Colorado River Storage Project 

Flaming Gorge Working Group 

Meeting Minutes 

August 25, 2022 

Participation

This meeting was held Thursday, August 25, 2022, from 10:00 am to 12:45 pm. The meeting was held 

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

Dale Hamilton (U. S. Bureau of Reclamation-Reclamation) called the meeting to order and introduced the 

meeting agenda and presenters. A brief synopsis of each presentation and a list of attendees are provided 

below. 

Green and Yampa Rivers: Spring Forecast and Runoff Review 

Brenda Alcorn, Senior Hydrologist, Colorado Basin River Forecast Center (CBRFC)

Water year 2022 precipitation through July was highly variable month to month but slightly below 

average overall (90% of average) in the Upper Green basin and near (100% of average) in the Yampa 

River basin. 

Snowpack was near normal in mid-January then flat-lined through February and briefly peaked at 85% of 

normal in the Upper Green basin and 90% of normal in the Yampa River basin. 

Observed April through July runoff into Flaming Gorge was 553,000 acre-feet (57% of average, 56% of 

median) compared to 833,000 acre-feet (86% of average) in 2020 and 363,000 acre-feet (38% of average) 

in 2021. Observed April through July runoff in the Yampa at Deerlodge was 910,000 acre-feet (76% of 

average, 82% of median) compared to 1,124,000 acre-feet (94% of average) in 2020 and 357,000 acrefeet (30% of average) in 2021.

The Yampa at Deerlodge stream flow peaked at 11,300 cfs on May 20, 2022, compared to the average of 

12,800 cfs and the 2021 peak of 4,930 cfs which was the 2nd lowest peak on record. 

Looking ahead there are increased chances for above normal temperature and below normal precipitation. 

Airborne Snow Observatories, Inc. flew a portion of the Upper Green basin to measure snow depth and 

estimate snow water equivalent for the first time in 2022. 

In response to a question about the difference between the ASO and CBRFC-modeled snow, Brenda 

stated that the ASO was definitely higher; the ASO data was not used in the model but did confirm
CBRFC decisions to increase model snow. Brenda also stated that forecasts do indicate a third straight 

La Nina year this year.

Recovery Program 2022 Green River Flow Request: Implementation and Results

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

Program (Recovery Program) 

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. 

The Recovery Program’s 2022 Flow Request priorities for dry to average below median conditions were: 

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) Larval-triggered spring peak flows for 

razorback sucker nursery habitat. 

Larvae were captured May 21 and the Larval Trigger flows were accomplished May 25-June 4 as the dam 

released full bypass for 7 days and flow at Jensen exceeded 14,000 cfs for 5 days (max 17,000 cfs). The 

spring release connected 5 wetlands (4 managed: Steward Lake, Stirrup, Johnson Bottom, Old Charley; 

and 1 non-managed: Above Brennan). 

The smallmouth bass flow spike occurred June 21-24 as the dam released full powerplant for 3 days with 

the SWS lowered to decrease water temperature about 3 degrees.

Base flows for the Colorado pikeminnow targeted 2,100 cfs at Jensen. 

Monitoring is ongoing and data will continue to be collected to assess flow experiment effects.

In response to a question, Tildon stated that the wetlands were not filled completely but did see 5 or 5.5 

out of about 7.5 feet of depth. In response to a question, Tildon clarified that the 2022 flow request had 

three ranked priorities pending water availability and Reclamation determines water availability and 

meets priorities as possible; Reclamation would not have only met the smallmouth bass flow spike 

request if not for the additional DRO releases. A comment was made that bypass releases and lost power 

generation are having a direct impact on CRSP power customers and the FGTWG should consider the 

issue in the future more than it did this year. A comment was made that while we are considering making 

additional DRO releases, it is also important to consider recovery at Flaming Gorge as well should 

conditions warrant. 
Flaming Gorge Hydrology & Operations 

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

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 2022 Flaming Gorge Observed April-July inflow put it in the Moderately Dry hydrologic 

classification. The Yampa (Maybell plus Lilly) observed April-July inflow was in the Moderately Dry 

hydrologic condition. 

The 2022-2023 operational plan increased Colorado pikeminnow base flows by a hydrologic condition 

from Moderately Dry (1,800-2,000 cfs) to Average (2,000-2,600 cfs) to meet drought release targets. 

500,000 acre-feet of Drought Operations Response releases will be made by the end of April 2023. 

Looking forward, there will be a fish monitoring (tailwater assessment) September 6-7, and base flow 

releases are anticipated to be 1,800 cfs through September, 1,600 cfs in October, and 1,700 cfs from 

November through February with March through April transition period flows of about 1,500 cfs. 

In response to a question as to whether Reclamation has determined what flexibility it has for reducing 

releases under DROA recovery conditions (only Hydrologic Condition steps up/down or reduced to 

minimum power releases), Dale stated that the flexibility has not been determined. In response to a 

question as to balance of inflows and releases this year, it was clarified that the 500,000 acre-feet release 

is the additional water released for Drought Response Operations and the reservoir will see a net decrease 

in storage. A comment was made that there is interest in seeing the Selective Withdrawal Structure 

(SWS) repaired to allow for more control of release water temperatures. There were a couple comments 

expressed that the lower than initially planned releases from Flaming Gorge in September are a concern 

for power generation and a second look would be appreciated. There was some confusion about release 

volumes and timing that will be discussed further off-line after the meeting. 

Flaming Gorge Drought Operations

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

Gary Henrie, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 

2022 Upper Basin drought response actions included the release of 500,000 acre-feet from Flaming Gorge 

(2022 DRO Plan) and reducing Glen Canyon Dam’s annual release by 480,000 acre-feet from 7.48 maf to 

7.00 maf (2007 Interim Guidelines). 

In June, Reclamation Commissioner requested Colorado River Basin States provide an additional 2 to 4 

million acre-feet in 2023 to protect critical elevations in Lake Powell and Lake Mead. The Upper 

Division States replied in July with a 5-point plan (http://www.ucrcommission.com/wpcontent/uploads/2022/07/2022-July-18-Letter-to-Reclamation.pdf). 
Lake Mead is at elevation 1042.3 feet (Aug 14, 2022) in Shortage Tier 2 which decreases allocations 

further than the decreases experienced in Tier 1 and most probable water surface elevation projections 

indicate level 2 shortage conditions through 2023 and level 3 shortage conditions in 2024. Lake Powell is 

at elevation 3533.9 feet (Aug 15, 2022) and in the mid-elevation balancing tier with most probable water 

surface elevation projections indicating elevations below 3525 feet next year and minimum probable 

projections below 3490 feet beginning in 2023. Flaming Gorge is at elevation 6015.6 feet (Aug 15, 2022) 

and the most probable water surface elevation projection decreasing to 6005 feet in May 2023. 

Additional projection information can be found in the 24-month studies 

(https://www.usbr.gov/uc/water/crsp/studies/).

DRO releases from month to month have differed somewhat from initial plans but are still anticipated to 

total 500,000 acre-feet by the end of April 2023. 

Decreases in Flaming Gorge storage and water surface elevations may impact various resources. A recent 

hydrographic sonar survey of the boat ramps estimated the elevation of the boat ramp bottoms to the 

nearest half-foot (with a range of elevations provided where the bottom edge was not clearly defined). 

Gary Henrie provided an overview of survey results and information to be provided in a survey report. A 

dive survey of the boat ramps is planned to further refine ramp bottom estimates as possible.

Releases from Flaming Gorge in future years will be dependent on hydrology and conditions at Lake 

Powell. If over the next few years, it is possible to maintain storage at Lake Powell to levels that will 

allow for power generation by releasing additional water from Flaming Gorge, additional releases will 

likely be made.

In response to a question of what future releases may be, Dale stated that potential future Drought 

Response Operations release volumes are uncertain (the Reclamation Commissioner has called for 2-4 

million acre-feet of additional conservation). DRO releases but could be in the range of 500,000 acre-feet 

but are pending conversations with the DROA partners. No DRO releases but no recovery releases would 

result in releases aligned with hydrologic condition and roughly no net increase or decrease in storage. 

DRO recovery would require Reclamation Regional directors of the Upper and Lower Colorado Basins to 

agree to recover upstream volume and input would be sought from this group to determine releases that 

would likely be lower than those driven by hydrologic condition.

General Discussion, Comments, Questions 

Dale opened the meeting for discussion, comments, or questions. No additional items were brought up. 

If additional questions or comments arise, send them to Dale Hamilton (dthamilton@usbr.gov) and/or 

Nathaniel Todea (ntodea@usbr.gov).

Next Meeting

• Thursday, March 16, 2023, at 10:00 am in-person and virtual (tentative)

• Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 10:00 am in-person and virtual (tentative) 

Attendees

Woody Bair Flaming Gorge Resort 

Hattie Johnson American Whitewater

TJ Valdez BMF Outfitters

Tony Valdez Buckboard Marina at FG 

Shane DuBois Recon Angling 

John Rauch Cedar Springs Marina

Jerry Taylor Lucerne Valley Marina

Brant Williams Lucerne Valley Marina

Jessica Williams Lucerne Valley Marina

Simone Griffin BlueRibbon Coalition 
T. Wright Dickinson Vermillion Ranch

Grizz Oleen Caerus Oil and Gas LLC

Ted Rampton 

Jen Dumas Jicarilla Apache Nation

Christy Leonard Utah State University

Cheyenne Reid Utah State University

Jack Lytle Daggett Co., CRA Utah Cent. 

Kirk Robbins Uintah County MAD 

Jason Palmer City of Green River 

Lisa Herrera Green River Chamber 

Mark Kot Rock Springs WWDC

Sarah Bargsten Cheyenne Brd. of Pub. Util. 

Amy Haas Colorado River Auth. of Utah 

Jared Hansen Cent. Utah Water Cons Dist

Bart Leeflang Cent. Utah Water Cons Dist

Bryan Seppie Joint Powers Water Board

Darrell Gillman Utah Dept. Ag. And Food 

Ryan Jones Utah Dept. Ag. And Food 

Chris Keleher Utah Div. Wildlife Resrc.

Matt Breen Utah Div. Wildlife Resrc.

Ryan Mosley Utah Div. Wildlife Resrc.

Carly Sands Utah Dept. Emerg. Man. 

Robert Keith Wyo. Game and Fish Dept. 

Chris Brown State of Wyoming

Jeff Cowley Wyo. State Engineer's Office

Leslie James Col. Riv. Energy Dist Assoc 

Michelle Brown-Yazzie Navajo Nation 

Cora Tso Navajo Nation DOJ Water

Kenneth Asay Bureau of Indian Affairs 

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 

Rob Bundy U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service 

Danielle Fujii-Doe U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service 

Derek Fryer Western Area Power Admin.

Tony Henriquez Western Area Power Admin.

Brenda Alcorn Col. Basin Riv. Forecast Ctr. 

Aldis Strautins Nat. Weather Service

Bob Schelly Nat. Park Service, Dino. NM

Will Pedro Nat. Park Service, Dino. NM

Jo Foster Bureau of Land Management 

Kevin Clegg U. S. Forest Service

Stephanie Anderson U. S. Forest Service

Coleson Kastelic U. S. Forest Service

Brett Heath U. S. Forest Service

Ron Griffiths U. S. Geological Survey 

Becki Bryant U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Chris Garcia U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Dale Hamilton U. S. Bureau of Reclamation

Erik Knight U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Gary Henrie U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Jared Baxter U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Kasey Frandsen U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Nanette Gale U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Nathaniel Todea U. S. Bureau of Reclamation

Paul Christensen U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Rick Baxter U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Scott Elliott U. S. Bureau of Reclamation