DISPOSITION OF 2003 SORs

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FWS1
MT-1
C1   C2   C3   C03   C03-B   C4   C5   C6   C7   C8   C9   C10


D2003-C03-B
15-December-2003 2003-C03-B USFWS, Idaho Office of Species Conservation, Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, IDFG, City of Bonners Ferry, Boundary County, ID. Request for releases from Libby Dam for migration, spawning, incubation and larval development of burbot in the Kootenai River.
1. SOR request Beginning December 1, 2003 and continuing through December 22, 2003, to the extent feasible, limit releases from Libby Dam to 15,000 cfs, while maintaining established ramping rates. Beginning December 18, 2003 and continuing through January 30, 2004, maintain releases between 4,000 and 10,000 cfs, and preferably less than 7300 cfs to the extent possible. If, subsequent to this request it becomes necessary to release more than 10,000 cfs, it is recommended that the new release rate be the lowest stable flow, which can be sustained through January 30. We acknowledge that unforeseen circumstances such as local or system flood control or power emergencies may supersede this recommendation.
Secondly, throughout this operation utilize the selective withdrawal system at Libby Dam to release the coldest water available. The objective is to maintain water temperatures in the Kootenai River between Bonners Ferry and the U. S. - Canada border below 4.0 degrees C, and as near to 1.5 degrees C as possible through operations of Libby Dam.
2. Participants Susan Martin, Supervisor, Upper Columbia Fish and Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, on behalf of: Idaho Office of Species Conservation, the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the City of Bonners Ferry and Boundary County, Idaho.
3. TMT recommendation Libby outflow is being ramped down from its current rate of 15 Kcfs to reach 10 Kcfs by midnight this Friday, December 19. The intent is to draft the project to elevation 2411 by December 31. We will try to hold flows as steady as possible through the end of December, said; however, the December final forecast for Libby is 111% of average, so we will likely have to increase outflow at some point.
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation Outflow from Libby was ramped down starting December 15. outflow reached 10 kcfs December 19. 10 kcfs was held until January 5 when outflow was increased to 12 kcfs to meet end of January flood control elevations. 12 kcfs was held until January 12 when was ramped down to 4 kcfs by January 18th. The 4 kcfs was held from January 18th through Jan 30th end of the SOR time period.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-15
24-October-2003 2003-15 USFWS, NOAA, IDFG, WDFW, CRITFC, Shoshone-Bannock Tribe, ODFW Tailwater elevation at Bonneville Dam to protect natural spawning of chum and fall chinook salmon at the Ives / Pierce Island Complex, Multnomah Falls, and partly influence the I-205 seeps.
1. SOR request As required by the 2000 NMFS Biological Opinion, beginning when chum are present (no later than November 1) and continuing until further notice, provide a minimum instantaneous tailrace elevation of 11.5 feet at Bonneville Dam. On average it is anticipated that daily average flows will not exceed 125 Kcfs.
2. Participants U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA Fisheries, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Shoshone-Bannock Tribe, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
3. TMT recommendation The COE will operate the BON tailrace at an 11.2'-11.5' daytime elevation (7 am-7 pm) and 11.2' minimum nighttime elevation beginning Monday, November 3rd. If the results of observations before that time show a dramatic increase in the presence of live chum (~75), an emergency TMT call will be held at 1 pm on Monday. Otherwise, TMT will revisit chum operations at the beginning of the TMT year end review meeting, Wednesday November 5th.
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation The initial targeted daytime (0700 - 1900) tailwater elevation was 11.2 - 11.5 feet November 3rd. This elevation was increased to 11.3 - 11.6 feet on November 13. The elevation was increased to 11.4 - 11.7 feet on November 24. On December 12 the range was increased to 11.6 - 11.9 ft. On December 16 the range was increased to 11.8 to 12.1 ft. On December 16 until December 19th the daylight time period was reduced to from 0700 -1400 in order to be able to evacuate water from the lower river On December 31 the operation was changed from a limiting spawning access to a redd projection operation. The minimum tailwater level was set at 11.8 ft. The alternative operation did not meet the detailed specifications of SOR 2003-15 submitted by the fisheries managers, but this stepwise increase in elevation has been consistent with fish observations in the area, and an increase in local precipitation.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-C10
03-October-2003 2003-C10 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Autumn 2003 Treaty Fishery
1. SOR request October 8th, 2003, 6 am, Wednesday, through 6 pm, October 11th, 2003, Saturday.
Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot from full pool (msl elevation 76.5 - 75.5).
The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 159.5 - 158.5).
John Day Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 264.5 - 263.5).
2. Participants Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
3. TMT recommendation After discussions with CRITFC it was decided to operate the John Day pool from 0600 October 8, 2003 to 1800 October 11, 2003 with a hard constraint of 263 to 264.5 ft and a soft constraint of 263.5 to 264.5 ft.
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation Both the hard and soft constraint was met 100% of the time for the range stated in the TMT Recommendation above.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-FWS1
07-October-2003 2003-FWS1 USFWS, NOAA, CRITFC, IDFG Request for winter water level operations on Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho during 2004 and 2005, to increase egg to fry survival of kokanee, the primary forage base for listed bull trout.
1. SOR request By November 15, 2003, draw Lake Pend Oreille down to elevation 2051 feet to precede significant lake shore spawning by kokanee and subsequent redd dessication or redd disturbance by wave action, and to redistribute shore line gravel for subsequent years spawning. During the winter of water year 2005, hold Lake Pend Oreille at elevation 2055 feet to continue the evaluation of the effect of lake level on kokanee spawning success.
2. Participants U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA Fisheries, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Idaho Department of Fish and Game
3. TMT recommendation The COE decided to operate to meet elevation 2051' at Lake Pend Oreille for 2003-2004.Outflows will be increased to 26 kcfs on 10/31 a.m. to reach 2051' around November 15th. Decisions concerning 2005 water operations will be discussed later.
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation Lake Pend Oreille reached it operating range of 2051 - 2051.5 November 12th.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-C9
25-September-2003 2003-C9 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Autumn 2003 Treaty Fishery
1. SOR request October 1st, 2003, 6 am, Wednesday, through 6 pm, October 4th, 2003, Saturday.

Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot from full pool (msl elevation 76.5 - 75.5).
The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 159.5 - 158.5).
John Day Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 264.5 - 263.5).
2. Participants Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
3. TMT recommendation After discussions with CRITFC it was decided to operate the John Day pool from 0600 October 1, 2003 to 1800 October 4, 2003 with a hard constraint of 263 to 264.5 ft and a soft constraint of 263.5 to 264.5 ft.
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation Both the hard and soft constraint was met 100% of the time for the range stated in the TMT Recommendation above.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-C8
19-September-2003 2003-C8 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Autumn 2003 Treaty Fishery
1. SOR request September 24th, 2003, 6 am, Wednesday, through 6 pm, September 27th, 2003, Saturday.

Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot from full pool (msl elevation 76.5
The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 159.5 - 158.5).
John Day Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 264.5 - 263.5).
2. Participants Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
3. TMT recommendation As a result of coordination among the Corps, BPA, and CRITFC: Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 75.0 - 76.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Wednesday , 24 September 03 - 1800 hrs Saturday, 27 September 03.
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation Elevation limits were provided 100% of the time for the range stated in the TMT Recommendation above.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-C7
12-September-2003 2003-C7 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Autumn 2003 Treaty Fishery
1. SOR request September 16th, 2003, 6 am, Tuesday, through 6 pm, September 20th, 2003, Saturday.

Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot from full pool (msl elevation 76.5 - 75.5).
The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 159.5 - 158.5).
John Day Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 264.5 - 263.5).
2. Participants Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
3. TMT recommendation As a result of coordination among the Corps, BPA, and CRITFC: Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 75.0 - 76.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Tuesday, 16 September 03 - 1800 hrs Saturday, 20 September 03.
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation Elevation limits were provided 100% of the time for the range stated in the TMT Recommendation above.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-14
2-September-2003 2003-14 USFWS, NOAA, IDFG, ODFW, WDFW, CRITFC Water Temperature Operation for Dworshak and Lower Granite.
1. SOR request If necessary to maintain water temperature criteria, increase outflows at Dworshak to 8.0 Kcfs beginning on September 3, 2003 and continue through September 11, 2003. On September 12th, use remaining storage water to ramp outflows down to the minimum Dworshak discharge; enough storage water should remain to provide a similar three-day ramp down as modeled in the 8-25-03 STP. September 3rd through 11th outflows should be consistent at 8.0 Kcfs throughout each day with little daily load following fluctuations. Temperatures of Dworshak release water should be 44-48 oF. Whenever possible, meet both the 68 oF temperature criteria at Lower Granite and the Dworshak release water of 44-48 oF.
2. Participants U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, NOAA Fisheries, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation To continue the current load-following operation at Dworshak (8 Kcfs during daytime hours, 5.3 Kcfs at night), but to shift both Dworshak units to undershot mode to reduce the average discharge temperature at the project to about 45 degrees around the clock.
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation Starting September 3 unit 2 was run in overshot mode and unit 3 in undershot mode. On September 5 both units were run in undershot mode. Flows were ramped down to 1.6 kcfs by September 15.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-C6
22-August-2003 2003-C6 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Autumn 2003 Treaty Fishery
1. SOR request August 26th, 2003, 6 am, Tuesday, through 6 pm, August 30th, 2003, Saturday. September 2nd, 2003, 6 am, Tuesday, through 6 pm, September 5th, 2003, Friday. September 9th, 2003, 6 am, Tuesday, through 6 pm, September 12th, 2003, Friday.

Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot from full pool (msl elevation 76.5 - 75.5).
The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 159.5 - 158.5).
John Day Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 264.5 - 263.5).
2. Participants Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
3. TMT recommendation As a result of coordination among the Corps, BPA, and CRITFC: Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 75.0 - 76.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Tuesday, 26 August 03 - 1800 hrs Saturday, 30 August 03, and from 0600 hrs Tuesday TUE, 02 September 03 - 1800 hrs Friday, 05 September 03, and from 0600 hrs Tuesday , 09 September 03 - 1800 hrs Friday, 12 September 03.
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation Elevation limits were provided 100% of the time for the range stated in the TMT Recommendation above.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-C5
18-July-2003 2003-C5 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Summer 2003 Treaty Fishery
1. SOR request July 21st, 2003, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, July 23rd, 2003, Wednesday.
Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot from full pool (msl elevation 77 - 76).
The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 159.5 - 158.5).
John Day Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 264.5 - 263.5).
2. Participants Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
3. TMT recommendation As a result of coordination among the Corps, BPA, and CRITFC: Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 75.0 - 76.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Monday July 21, 03 - 1800 hrs Wednesday July 23, 03.
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation Elevation limits were provided 100% of the time for the range stated in the TMT Recommendation above.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-11
08-July-2003 2003-11 USFWS, ODFW Dworshak Summer Operations
1. SOR request
  • Implement the Biological Opinion measures at Dworshak Reservoir drafting to elevation 1520 feet by August 31, 2003.
  • Increase outflow from Dworshak to 14 kcfs on July 8 and maintain as long as possible. Based on the July 1 STP run we estimate that an outflow of 14 Kcfs can be maintained through August 24th, with a decrease to 5.7 Kcfs the last week of August, ending in an August 31 elevation of 1520 feet.
  • Initial releases temperature should be at 48°F, but should be decreased to 45°F prior to the proposed work being conducted at Dworshak Dam.
2. Participants U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
3. TMT recommendation As the 2 SOR's 2003-C4 and 2003- 11 were basically identical for the first two weeks it was agreed to release 14 kcfs for the first two weeks and then decide how to continue. On July 17 TMT agreed to operate Dworshak at 14 kcfs for one more week and check in during a TMT conference call next Wednesday, July 23. On July 23 TMT decided to maintain the current Dworshak operation until 6 p.m. tomorrow, July 24, at which point we will reduce Dworshak outflow to 12 Kcfs. We will maintain that rate of discharge at least until next week's TMT meeting. We also understand that we're starting down a path that will end with an August 31 elevation of 1535 feet at Dworshak. At the July 30 TMT it was agreed to target 1535 ft at Dworshak at the end of August. Flows were adjusted to meet the August 31 target. (Note all parties did not agree to the operation but issue was not raised to TMT.)
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation Dworshak outflows reached 13.5 Kcfs July 8th. Outflows were kept in the 13 - 14 Kcfs range until July 24 when outflows were reduced to the 12 kcfs range. Flows were occasionally below stated values when it was reduced to move selector gates. Outflows were reduced to 10 kcfs (no spill August 5th. On August 20th the daily outflow was reduced to 7 kcfs with load shaping of 5.7 kcfs during nighttime and 8 kcfs during the day.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-C4
08-July-2003 2003-C-4 CRITFC, Nez Perce, Warm Springs, Umatilla, Yakama, Idaho Idaho-Nez Perce Tribe Dworshak Summer Operations Plan
1. SOR request Implement the following operational guidelines (Figures 1 and 2). If river conditions degrade dramatically or flow varies significantly from the predicted model simulations during the period of the specified operation (1-7), in season management options will be discussed. We request that data being collected by the Corps monitoring program outlined by RPA measure #143 be made available for the weekly TMT meetings or discuss an alternative reporting schedule.
  1. Hold outflows to 13,500 -14,000 cfs (TDG cap) through July 20th, 2003.
  2. Ramp flows to 12,000 cfs by morning July 21st, 2003, and hold through August 3rd, 2003.
  3. Ramp flows to 11,000 cfs by morning August 4th, 2003, and hold through August 10th, 2003.
  4. Ramp flows to 10,000 cfs by morning August 11th, 2003, & hold through August 24th, 2003.
  5. Ramp flows to 8,000 cfs by morning August 25th, 2003, and hold through August 31st, 2003.
  6. Draft limit of 1535 ft by August 31st is needed to ensure a 200 KaF carryover into September.
  7. From September 1st through 14th, 2003, release flows of 8,400 cfs.
  8. By September 15th, 2003, reduce flows to minimum 1,400 cfs as elevation 1520 ft is reached.
2. Participants The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation, the Yakama Nation, and the State of Idaho.
3. TMT recommendation As the 2 SOR's 2003-C4 and 2003- 11 were basically identical for the first two weeks it was agreed to release 14 kcfs for the first two weeks and then decide how to continue. On July 17 TMT agreed to operate Dworshak at 14 kcfs for one more week and check in during a TMT conference call next Wednesday, July 23. On July 23 TMT decided to maintain the current Dworshak operation until 6 p.m. tomorrow, July 24, at which point we will reduce Dworshak outflow to 12 Kcfs. We will maintain that rate of discharge at least until next week's TMT meeting. We also understand that we're starting down a path that will end with an August 31 elevation of 1535 feet at Dworshak. At the July 30 TMT it was agreed to target 1535 ft at Dworshak at the end of August. Flows were adjusted to meet the August 31 target. (Note all parties did not agree to the operation but issue was not raised to TMT.)
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation Dworshak outflows reached 13.5 Kcfs July 8th. Outflows were kept in the 13 - 14 Kcfs range until July 24 when outflows were reduced to the 12 kcfs range. Flows were occasionally below stated values when it was reduced to move selector gates. Outflows were reduced to 10 kcfs (no spill August 5th. On August 20th the daily outflow was reduced to 7 kcfs with load shaping of 5.7 kcfs during nighttime and 8 kcfs during the day.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-C3
02-July-2003 2003-C3 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Summer 2003 Treaty Fishery
1. SOR request July 14th, 2003, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, July 16th, 2003, Wednesday.
Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot from full pool (msl elevation 77 - 76).
The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 159.5 - 158.5).
John Day Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 264.5 - 263.5).
2. Participants Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation As a result of coordination among the Corps, BPA, and CRITFC: Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 75.0 - 76.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Monday July 14, 03 - 1800 hrs Wednesday July 16, 03.
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation Elevation limits were provided 100% of the time for the range stated in the TMT Recommendation above.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-MT-1
01-July-2003 2003-MT-1 MFWP Libby & Hungry Horse Operations for July through September and modified spill in the Lower Columbia River
1. SOR request During Phase I implementation will focus on physical evaluation of the changes in water qualities and quantities that result from large scale testing of the Northwest Power Planning Council's Mainstem Recommendations for operation of Libby and Hungry Horse dams and from reduced bypass spills during July and August at Bonneville, The Dalles and John Day dams.
  1. During July, adjust Libby outflows until refill has been achieved while avoiding significant risk of filling and spilling or in failing to fill to less than 5 feet of full.
  2. Adjust Libby's target outflow as necessary to maintain a stable weekly average outflow that results in drafting Libby to elevation 2449 by the end of September. It is preferred that outflows are held flat or are reduced gradually from July through September.
  3. Establish a weekly average outflow target of 3.7 kcfs at Hungry Horse dam.
  4. Adjust the target outflow as necessary to maintain a stable weekly average outflow and draft Hungry Horse to elevation 3550 by the end of September. It is preferred that outflows are held flat or are reduced gradually from July through September.
  5. Maintain flows out of Libby and Hungry Horse that are at least the minimum flows for bull trout. Minimum bull trout flows are a higher priority than the ending elevations targeted for the storage reservoirs by the end of September.
  6. Continue to implement bull trout research to measure changes in fish survival and productivity.
  7. Reduce summer bypass spills at Bonneville dam to a daily average of 50kcfs, ending on August 15th.
  8. Reduce summer bypass spills at The Dalles dam to 30 percent of river flow, ending on August 15th.
  9. Conduct the current spill test at John Day dam and eliminate bypass spills once the test is concluded. This is planned to occur at the end of July.
2. Participants Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks
3. TMT recommendation Issue was raised to IT. The question to IT is: Should the recommendations on page 2 of SOR 2003-MT-1 be implemented in 2003?
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation IT could not reach consensus on whether or not to implement the Montana SOR; The question will now be elevated to the Regional Executives: shall the Montana SOR be implemented in 2003, or are there other alternatives that should be considered?
6. AA decision (after IT) The Regional Executives chose not to implement Montana's recommended operation this year and asked that the region work together to develop a strategy for a better operating plan for future years.
7. Actual Operation BiOp recommended operations will be followed.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-10
06-June-2003 2003-10 USFWS Libby Dam Releases for Sturgeon and Bull Trout Augmentation Flows
1. SOR request
  • From June 5 through June 26 attempt to maintain a minimum discharge target from Libby Dam of 20,000 cfs.
  • Sturgeon augmentation flows should be followed by a ramp down to the tiered bull trout flow minimum flows / salmon flows per the 2000 Biological Opinions, except as noted below.
  • Avoid forced spill at the Libby Project.
  • Refill the project to near 2459 feet by July 1 or later if needed to avoid forced spill.
  • If on June 26 additional water is available, we recommend splitting that volume equally to extend the then current target sturgeon incubation flow beyond June 26, and to achieve a higher tiered bull trout flow through July, if possibly up to the optimum tiered flow of 9,000 cfs.
  • Should the actual volume available to split, as described above, be exceeded, we recommend that the remainder be used to further extend the duration of sturgeon incubation flow.
  • At some point early in this sturgeon flow request, while low elevation runoff remains relatively high, we recommend up to two days of maximum power house releases to facilitate ongoing U. S. Geological Survey sediment transport studies designed to aid in conservation of the sturgeon. As much advance coordination as possible would be appreciated. The contact person is Dr. Gary Barton at 253-428-3600 ext 2613, e-mail gbarton@usgs.gov
2. Participants U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
3. TMT recommendation Libby outflows increased to 25 Kcfs June 5. Operate as specified in the SOR.
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation The sturgeon pulse officially started 6/6/03 with a release of 25 kcfs from Libby. This was 5 kcfs more than requested by USFWS due to flood control needs. Outflows were reduced to 19 kcfs 6/19/03. The sturgeon pulse officially ended 6/26/03. Outflows were still 19 kcfs after the official end.

Libby reached any elevation of 2458.1 July 4.

Since the end of the sturgeon pulse (up to August 26th )Libby daily average outflows have been at or above 14 kcfs. The minimum hourly outflow was 9.4 Kcfs on July 29th.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-C2
21-May-2003 2003-C2 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Spring 2003 Treaty Fishery
1. SOR request May 22nd, 2003, 6 am, Thursday, through 6 pm, May 24th, 2003, Saturday.
Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot from full pool (msl elevation 77 - 76).
The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 159.5 - 158.5).
John Day Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 264.5 - 263.5).
2. Participants Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation As a result of coordination among the Corps, BPA, and CRITFC: Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 75.0 - 76.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Thursday 22 May, 03 - 1800 hrs Saturday, 24 May, 03.
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation Elevation limits were provided 98% of the time for the range stated in the TMT Recommendation above.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-09
29-Apr-2003 2003-09 USFWS, NMFS, IDFG, ODFW, WDFW, CRITFC Dworshak Operations
1. SOR request Maintain the current operation at Dworshak of 15.5-16.0 kcfs outflows unless flows at Lower Granite Dam are above the 2003 Spring Biological Opinion Flow Target of 89 Kcfs.
2. Participants U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation It was agreed to implement this SOR and check on the operation on a week-by-week basis.
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation Dworshak has been releasing between 15.5 - 16.0 Kcfs since before April 29th. Outflow was reduced to 12.5 kcfs between May 3rd until May 5th because Unit 1 was out of operation. Outflows were then increased back to 14.7 - 15.6 kcfs until May 16 when they were reduced because Lower Granite inflows exceeded 89 kcfs. Flows were reduced on May 17th and 18th to aid in a body recovery. Flows were increased back to 15 kcfs on May 18th. At the 21 May TMT meeting, members agreed to end spring flow augmentation from DWR according to this schedule: Hold 15 kcfs through 21 May, then 10.0 kcfs 22 - 24 May, 7.5 kcfs 25 - 26 May, and 1.5 kcfs (minimum) beginning 27 May.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-C1
23-Apr-2003 2003-C1 CRITFC Operation of the Lower Columbia Pools for the Spring 2003 Treaty Fishery
1. SOR request April 24th, 2003, 6 am, Thursday, through 6 pm, April 26th, 2003, Saturday.
Bonneville Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot from full pool (msl elevation 77 - 76).
The Dalles (Celilo) Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 159.5 - 158.5).
John Day Pool: Operate the pool within 1.0 foot (msl elevation 264.5 - 263.5).
2. Participants Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation As a result of coordination among the Corps, BPA, and CRITFC: Hold BON pool within a 1.5 foot range, elevations 75.0 - 76.5 feet, as a hard constraint from 0600 hrs Thursday 24 April 03 - 1800 hrs Saturday, 26 April 03.
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation Elevation limits were provided 100% of the time for the range stated in the TMT Recommendation above.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-08
17-Apr-2003 2003-08 USFWS, IDFG, ODFW, WDFW, CRITFC Priest Rapids Flow Fluctuations
1. SOR request Limit flow fluctuations at Priest Rapids Dam as described below.

When PRD daily discharge is between 36 and 80 kcfs:
Limit flow fluctuations to no more than 10 kcfs in a 24-hour period.

When PRD daily discharge is between 80 and 110 kcfs:
Limit flow fluctuations to no more than 10 kcfs in a 24-hour period.

When PRD daily discharge is between 110 and 140 kcfs:
Limit fluctuations to no more than 20 kcfs in a 24-hour period.

When PRD daily discharge is between 140-170 kcfs:
Limit fluctuations to no more than 20 kcfs in a 24-hour period.

When PRD daily discharge is 170 kcfs and above:
Limit fluctuations to no more than 20 kcfs in a 24-hour period. A minimum hourly flow of 150 kcfs will be maintained.
2. Participants U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation As TMT has no direct authority in this issue it was recommended that a direct conversation between the salmon managers and Grant County PUD be arranged.
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation  
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-07
17-Apr-2003 2003-07 USFWS, IDFG, ODFW, WDFW, NMFS, CRITFC Priest Rapids Seasonal Flows
1. SOR request
  • Starting April 21, 3003 begin providing flows at Priest Rapids up to the Spring Biological Opinion Flow Objective of at least 135 Kcfs at Priest Rapids Dam; by April 24, 2003 outflows should be at the 135 Kcfs Flow Objective and be maintained through the end of June.
  • Maintain weekend flows at McNary of not less than 80% of the previous five-day average.
  • Refill Grand Coulee Reservoir by the July 4th weekend if flow augmentation to meet summer flow objectives is not needed until after July 4th.
2. Participants U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Marine Fisheries Service and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation The ramp-up is scheduled to begin on April 21, a Monday. The week-average flows at Priest Rapids will be less than the 135 Kcfs target during the first week of this operation. The 135 Kcfs as a day-average will be reached by April 24. And the following week the average flow will be 135 Kcfs or higher.
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation 135 kcfs average was meet the first two weeks starting April 21st. The 80% week flow was also met the first two weeks starting April 21st.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-06
8-Apr-2003 2003-06 USFWS, NMFS, IDFG, ODFW, WDFW, CRITFC Lower Columbia River Spill Program
1. SOR request Beginning on April 14, 2003, spill daily at Lower Columbia River projects according to the 2000 Biological Opinion up to the 120% spill cap.
  • At McNary Dam spill should occur between the hours of 1800 and 0600 and instantaneous volumes should only be limited by the gas cap.
  • Spill daily at John Day Dam at 60% of instantaneous flow during nighttime hours at flows up to 300 Kcfs, and up to the 120% gas cap at flows greater than 300 Kcfs. Spill should occur from one hour before sunset to one hour after sunrise.
  • Spill at The Dalles Dam shall occur for 24 hours daily at a level equal to 40% of instantaneous flow.
  • Spill at Bonneville Dam shall be up to the 120% gas cap during nighttime hours, and 75 Kcfs or up to the gas cap during daytime hours for adult passage evaluation.
2. Participants U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation Implement the SOR as written.
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation Spill started 0500 April 14th at Bonneville. Spill started 1800 April 14 at The Dalles, John Day and McNary.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-05
1-Apr-2003 2003-05 USFWS, NMFS, IDFG, ODFW, WDFW, Nez Perce Tribe, CRITFC of Snake River Spill Operations and MOP.
1. SOR request
  1. Implement spill at Lower Granite Dam as described in the 2000 Biological Opinion. Begin spill at Lower Granite Dam at 1800 hours on April 3, 2003. Spill will then be phased in at the downriver projects at two-day intervals, initiating spill at Little Goose on April 5, at Lower Monumental on April 7 and at Ice Harbor Dam on April 9. (This two-day implementation interval may be modified pending collection of juvenile passage information at these downriver passage sites.)
  2. Implement MOP operations beginning at Lower Granite Pool at MOP+1 on April 3 to coincide with the initiation of spill. MOP operations are then to be implemented sequentially at Little Goose Reservoir on April 4, Lower Monumental Reservoir on April 5 and Ice Harbor Reservoir on April 6.
2. Participants U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Nez Perce Tribe and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation Spill issue raised to IT "Is 85 kcfs a threshold/absolute on-off for spill? If not, what methodology should be used to determine when to begin spill?" With respect to the MOP operations included in SOR 2003-5, the action agencies agreed to implement the requested operation as written.
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation IT agreed to implement spill according to criteria in the Fish Passage Plan and as specified in the SOR. TMT will revisit the issue on April 9 and consider the discussions from IT, the April final forecast and concerns raised at the last TMT meeting.
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation Spill for juvenile fish passage began, 1800 April 3, 2003 at Lower Granite, 1800 April 5th at Little Goose, 1800 April 7th at Lower Monumental, and at 1800 April 9th at Ice Harbor. Mop + 1 to Mop + 2 operations began 1800 April 3rd. Mop to Mop + 1 operations began 1800 April 6th at Little Goose and at 1800 April 7th at Lower Monumental and Ice Harbor. Ice Harbor and Little Goose were changed to Mop + 1 to Mop +2 on April 9th because of navigation concerns raised by the Towboat operators.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-04
26-Mar-2003 2003-04 USFWS, NMFS, IDFG, ODFW, Nez Perce Tribe, Shoshone Bannock Tribe, WDFW, CRITFC Operations at Dworshak Reservoir
1. SOR request Dworshak Reservoir to the highest elevation possible. Given the below average run-off volume, to the maximum extent possible, fill above local flood control elevation to save water for the spring juvenile salmonid outmigration. Utilize available space in other reservoirs to meet system flood control requirements.
2. Participants U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Nez Perce Tribe, Shoshone Bannock Tribe, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
3. TMT recommendation The COE will balance flood control needs at Grand Coulee with the interests expressed in the SOR. The April final water supply forecast for Dworshak; increased from 1.8 MAF to 2.4 MAF. The Action Agency plans to release 15 kcfs starting 4/3.
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation The end of April flood control elevation is 1541.9 Ft. April 30th elevation was 1568.7. Dworshak has been releasing 15.5 - 16.3 kcfs since April 4th.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-03
18-Mar-2003 2003-03 USFWS, IDFG, CRITFC, ODFW, WDFG, NMFS Fishery operations at Dworshak Dam to coincide with the March 19 and 20 spring chinook release:
1. SOR request Beginning March 19, and continuing on March 20, operate the Dworshak Dam power house at a level between 4.5 to 6.5 Kcfs beginning at 5 p.m. and ending at 5 a.m. the following morning.
2. Participants U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington Department of Fish and Game, and the National Marine Fisheries Service.
3. TMT recommendation Ramp up to 3.7 Kcfs at 4 p.m. March 19, then to 6.9 Kcfs by 5 p.m.; that rate of discharge will be held through 11 p.m., after which flow will be ramped down to 3.7 Kcfs for one hour. We'll be back at minimum discharge by 1 a.m. The same operation will take place tomorrow night.
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation Flow were not able to be ramped up to 6.9 kcfs the first night because the unit that was being added, unit 3, tripped off three times in three attempts to bring it online. Flow was ramped up to 3.7 kcfs. Operation was as specified the second night.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-02
6-Mar-2003 2003-02 USFWS, NMFS, WDFW Fishery Operations at Bon during Spring Creek Hatchery release.
1. SOR request The Salmon Managers listed above are requesting the following fishery operations at the Bonneville Project following the March 8 Spring Creek Hatchery tule fall chinook release:
  1. No operation of unscreened units at Bonneville Powerhouse I or II and follow the turbine operating priority in the Fish Passage Plan;
  2. Operate Powerhouse II as first priority. Fully load PH II before operating PH I;
  3. Operate turbine units within 1% of peak efficiency;
  4. Operate juvenile and adult facilities according to criteria;
  5. Operate the Bonneville Project to maintain a minimum 13 foot tailwater elevation. Based on estimates by the USFWS, a flow of 140-150 Kcfs is sufficient to allow approximately 50 Kcfs of spill while maintaining a maximum level of 105 % TDG (factored for depth compensation) at the chum redds in the Ives Island complex, and the expected highest elevation (11.5 foot tailwater) chum salmon redds on the Oregon shore;
  6. Beginning March 10, monitor sub-samples at the Hamilton Island Juvenile Monitoring Facility (JMF) facility. If sub-sampling at the JMF indicates large numbers of sub-yearling chinook have reached Bonneville Dam before 4 p.m. March 10, contact COE Reservoir Control Center to begin a minimum 13 foot tailwater and spill program at 6 p.m.. Continue spill for a total of 36 hours. If there is no indication of large numbers of sub-yearling chinook present at Bonneville Dam by 4 p.m., then monitor sub-samples prior to 8 a.m. March 11. If sub-samples at the JMF indicate large numbers of sub-yearling chinook have reached Bonneville Dam on or before 8 a.m. on March 11, contact COE Reservoir Control Center to begin the spill program at 10 a.m.
  7. At no time is spill to exceed 110% total dissolved gas measured at the downstream Warrendale and Camus/Washougal monitors, as allowed under the dissolved gas standards by the states of Oregon and Washington;
  8. We request that the Action Agencies use the flexibility in the system to accomplish this SOR without jeopardizing the April 10th rule curve elevations called for by the Biological Opinion;
2. Participants U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
3. TMT recommendation Implement as specified.
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation Implemented as specified.
8. If different from AA decision, why?  

 

D2003-01
3-Feb-2003 2003-01 USFWS, IDFG, CRITFC, ODFW Tailwater Elevation at Bonneville Dam to Protect Chum Salmon Redds and Emerging Fry.
1. SOR request Smooth flows and limit load following to maintain an instantaneous tailwater elevation of 11.5 feet at Bonneville Dam as long as possible without impacting the refill of U.S. Reservoirs to the April 10th upper rule curve elevation.

Maintain a minimum of 70 Kcfs at Vernita Bar consistent with the Vernita Bar Settlement Agreement.
2. Participants U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
3. TMT recommendation TMT agreed to maintain the Bonneville tailwater elevation at 11.5 or higher to the extent possible during the present and possible future rain events to provide protection to chum redds.

When the weather does not sustain higher levels of flow and the action agencies determine that maintaining the 11.5 tailwater would require drafting from storage reservoirs, TMT agreed that the elevation will drop back to the 11.0-11.2 elevation agreed to at last week's TMT meeting. From 1/31 to 4/10 the goal of maintaining the tailwater at or above 11.5 ft. was met 94% of the time
4. AA decision  
5. IT recommendation  
6. AA decision (after IT)  
7. Actual Operation (Covering Chum operation since 1/1/03) Tailwater lower limit was 11.3 ft. on 1/1/03. During chum survey 1/16/03 tailwater lower limit was reduced to 11 ft. Tail water limit changed to a hard constraint of above 11. Ft all hours 1/24/03. One violation of tailwater lower limit occurred in January (At end of chum survey operation). The tailwater lower limit was raised to 13 ft. during the Spring Creek Hatchery release (3/10 - 3/12). The tailwater lower limit was raised to 16.5 ft. at the start of spill 4/10/03.
8. If different from AA decision, why?