All,
It's been a crazy week in the water rights priority system for the Upper Colorado basin, at least as far as Green Mountain and the Lower Blue are concerned.
Earlier this week, the Colorado River started getting low around the Cameo gage. Senior water rights calls from Grand Junction came on (aka "the Cameo call") and we responded by raising releases from Green Mountain to the Lower Blue. By Wednesday evening, flows in the Blue had bumped up to around 385 cfs.
But, water rights priorities come in and out of call often this time of year. And, last night, priorities shifted again. As of 8 p.m. last night (Thursday), we began storing again in Green Mountain Reservoir--our "refill right" (please don't ask me to explain
). Under this right, we cut releases to the Lower Blue by about 120 cfs.
This morning, releases to the Lower Blue are running at 260 cfs.
But wait, that's not all! There is another river conference call this afternoon. That
could change releases to the Lower Blue for the weekend. If it does, I will post something before I leave for the day.
I saw elsewhere on the Buzz there were some questions about Gore flows. To help with getting Gore information, call the BLM's office (that's Land Management, not Reclamation!) in Kremmling. They are near the mouth of the Gore and have a pretty good idea of the flows going into the canyon. John Arkins is the man to call; he's the recreation guru over there: (970) 724-3025.
Meanwhile, keep an eye on the gage at Green Mountain and have a great weekend!
Best,
Kara
Linear Mode
