There has been and will be some minor
increases in river flows below Flaming Gorge Dam. The units at Flaming
Gorge have been undergoing maintenance over the last two months. In
order to ensure the units will be operational for the spring flows this
month, all the units will be tested over the next few days. Testing
requires that each of the three units are operated at 25, 50, 75 and 100
percent capacity to stabilize bearing temperatures. Stabilization of bearing temperatures could take two to four hours at each point to attain. Base flow levels of approximately 800 cfs are at 50 percent capacity. Each additional jump in percentage will increase flows 350 cfs. Flows at 75 percent capacity will be approximately 1,150 cfs.
Flows at 100 percent capacity will be approximately 1,500 cfs. It is
anticipated that the testing will be completed this week.
Yampa River flows have decreased significantly beginning around May 1.
Rain and snow showers are predicted in the Yampa River basin through Friday, May 9, 2008 with a warming trend occurring this weekend, May 10,
2008. If the warming trend continues into the week of May 11, 2008, it
is anticipated that Flaming Gorge releases will be increased to match
the peak flows of the Yampa River sometime during that week. Notice of
any increase will be sent as soon as possible via email and will also be
posted on the Reclamation website at the following URL:
http://www.usbr.gov/uc/water/crsp/cs/fgd.html