D2014-DMT#1 D2014-FWS#1 D2014-01 D2014C-1 D2014C-2 D2014C-3 D2014C-4 D2014C-5 D2014C-6 D2014C-7 D2014C-8 D2014C-9 D2014-2 D2014C-10 D2014C-11 D2014C-12 D2014C-13 D2014C-14
D2014-DMT#1 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR Request |
OBJECTIVE: To maintain stable or gradually declining flows for period July through September. SPECIFICATIONS: The Corps should develop and implement a plan of operation at Libby that will achieve the stated objectives by estimating a rate of outflow from Libby following the sturgeon operation in June that will maintain a stable outflow until the end of August and draft the project to an elevation of 2453 plus or minus 1 ft. Following this operation, the Corps should estimate an outflow for September that targets drafting the reservoir to approximately elevation 2449 ft. by the end of September. JUSTIFICATION: Biological conditions for resident fish in Montana and the Idaho portion of the Kootenai River are greatly improved by gradually ramping down river discharge, after the spring freshet, toward stable, or gradually declining, summer flows through September (extended into October if possible). Stable or gradually declinining flows are especially important during the biologically productive summer/falls months. The growing season in the Kootenai River in Montana and Idaho is short; rivers become porductive in late June, after the spring freshet, and remain productive until water temperatures drop to 6 degrees C in October. Peak production occurs in three months, July through September. River flows must remain above bull trout minimums to protect fish from the impacts of dewatering areas of critical habitat. Most productive riffle habitat is inundated when flows are 9 kcfs in the Kootenai. Higher flows are slightly more productive but with diminished returns due to the channel morphology. It is important to avoid short-term flow reductions. Short-term flow reductions dewater river substrate. When it is hot and dry (or freezing) the benthos (algae, insects etc.) dry out (or freeze) and din just a few hours or days. it takes about a month and a half to become productive once a dewatered zone becomes wet again. To preserve productive aquatic habitat it is important to minimize flow fluctuations. For this reason it is important to remain within allowable ramping rates when changing outflows at either Libby or Hungry Horse. River morphology causes ramp rates to be more restrictive as flows approach minimum flow and less restrictive as stage approaches bank full. This is because the wetted perimeter changes rapidly at low flows, but at higher flows, wetter perimeter changes less rapidly as flows increase. Since 2011, the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho has requested flows from Libby Dam of 8 kcfs or less in September to allow for the implementation and construction of several habitat restoration projects to benefit endangered Kootenai River white sturgeon and other native fish species. Due to the nature of the habitat work planned for August - October 2014, flows of 8 kcfs or less are not required for implementation of the sturgeon spawning substrate enhancement project so there would be more flexibility to provide a gradual ramp down of flows to the end of September and into October. By targeting an elevation of 2453 plus or minus 1 ft. by 31 August, releases can be held at 9 to 10 kcfs until the end of September or elevation 2449 ft. is reached. Once the elevation at Libby Dam reaches 2449 ft. in September releases should be reduced to 6 kcfs for the balance of the month. The current FCRPS BiOp calls for Libby Dam to be drafted to an elevation of 2449 ft. by the end of September in all but the driest water years. However, past operations that attempted to reach a fixed elevation of 2449 ft. by the end of September in all but the driest water years. However, past operartions that attempted to reach a fixed elevation have been problematic, because sudden changes in inflows to Koocanusa Reservoir are possible due to unpredictable precipitation events. Therefore the ending elevation should not be treated as a hard constraint but rather as a quideline for developing a stable flow during the month of September. This can be done by the Corps using the actual reservoir conditions nead the end of August combined with expected inflows until the end of September to produce a stable outflow that is expected to draft the reservoir to 2449 ft. However, if acutal inflows differ from the forecast, it is more important to maintain the stable outflows than it is to hit an arbitrary reservoir elevation a the end of September. |
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| 2. Requester(s) | Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (Montana) presented the SOR to the TMT during the meeting on April 16. This operation
was coordinated during meetings on April 30, May 7, and May 14. Additional supplemental information from these meetings
may be found on TMT meeting agendas available on the following website: http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/tmt/agendas/2014/ May 7 TMT Meeting: Montana recapped the intention of the SOR #MT 2014?1, noting that previous TMT discussions on the SOR took place at the April 16th and 30th meetings. Montana expressed that the intent of the SOR is to provide a framework for the summer to fall transition and focuses on managing flows to achieve a steady and slowly declining outflow. This would prioritize river flows over reservoir elevations, however, would still target a 2,449ft pool elevation by the end of September. The Corps walked the group though a scenario showing both observed and forecasted inflows, outflows and elevations based on the April August inflow volume, noting that forecasts show a proposed target elevation between 2,052? 2,054ft at the end of August. According to the forecast, the project would likely have to hold 10kcfs outflow through September in order to hit 2,449ft. The Corps pointed out that the forecasts are assuming normal precipitation and that depending on actual inflows and hydrology the operation may have to adjust. Both the Corps and Montana pointed out that the SOR outlines a framework and specific operations may need to be adjusted in?season to meet real?time conditions and needs. NOAA, clarified that the intent of hitting the target 2,449ft elevation still stands, however, the SOR prioritizes maintaining a steadily decreasing flow over the target elevation. The Corps acknowledged NOAAs comment and verified the intent of the framework is to hit the 2,449ft target while ensuring a steady and slowly declining flow. TMT members were polled on the SOR during the May 7 TMT meeting and provided the following comments. Oregon No Objection Washington Support Montana Support Idaho Support Nez Perce No Objection Umatilla/CRITFC No Objection Colville Support NOAA Support USFWS Support BPA Support BOR Support COE Support |
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| 4. AA Decision |
May 14 TMT Meeting. The AAs informed the TMT the AA decided to implement the SOR as described during the May 7 TMT meeting. |
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| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation |
This section will be updated once the operation has been completed.
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2014-FWS#1 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR Request |
SPECIFICATIONS: Based on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (Service) February 2006 Biological Opinion (2006 BO) on operations of Libby Dam, and the May final April-August volume runoff forecast of 6.997 million acre-feet, we are within a Tier 3 operations year for Kootenai River white sturgeon. The minimum recommended release volume for sturgeon conservation in a Tier 4 year is 1.17 million acre-feet and we recommend the following procedures for discharge of at least this minimum volume from Libby Dam: The precise means that will be utilized to meet these objectives are largely dependent on real-time conditions and in-season management. It is not possible to develop a single definitive recommendation for a sturgeon operation at this time due to the uncertainties in the forecast, and shape and volume of inflow. Given these uncertainties, the Service has developed the following guidelines for sturgeon operations in 2014: The 2014 sturgeon operations at Libby Dam will consist of two periods of peak flows. Begin sturgeon augmentation flow for the first peak when the Regional Team of Biologists determines that local tributary run-off downstream of Libby Dam is peaking. Increase discharge (according to ramping rates in 2006 BO) from Libby Dam up to full powerhouse capacity, depending on local conditions, e.g. river stage at Bonners Ferry. Maintain peak discharge (20,000-25,000 cubic ft. per second (cfs)) for a period of 5-7 days. Selective withdrawal gates at Libby Dam above elevation 2,326 mean sea level will remain uninstalled during this peak, allowing for conservation of warmer surface water that will be targeted for release during the descending limb of the second peak, described below. After 5-7 days of peak discharge, decrease discharge at Libby Dam (according to ramping rates in 2006 BO) to a discharge that is sufficient to maintain a flow of at least 18,000 cfs at Bonners Ferry until commencement of the second peak. Increase discharge (according to ramping rates in 2006 BO) from Libby Dam up to full powerhouse capacity when the Regional Team of Biologists determines that the high-elevation run-off in the Kootenai Basin has begun. Actual peak discharge during this second peak will depend on local conditions (i.e. river stage at Bonners Ferry). Selective withdrawal gates at Libby Dam above elevation 2,326 mean sea level will be placed to within 30 of the surface of the reservoir prior to the end of the second peak, described above, allowing for release of warmer surface water as the receding limb of the hydrograph commences. Release of warmer water from Libby Dam, in combination with lower volume of release, will allow the Kootenai River temperature to increase to appropriate spawning temperatures at Bonners Ferry (8-10°C) during the receding limb of the hydrograph. Maintain peak discharge for a period of 7-9 days. After 7-9 days of peak discharge, and until the sturgeon volume is exhausted, decrease discharge at Libby Dam towards stable summer flows, to no less than bull trout minimum flows (9,000 cfs in Tier 4). Total number of days at peak discharge will depend on real time conditions and the shape of the inflow hydrographs. As always, flood risk reduction operations supersede sturgeon flow augmentation, and dam managers will coordinate operations with regional sturgeon managers. Sturgeon augmentation discharge may be extended for additional days if the Corps elects to provide volume in excess of the minimum volume requirement in the 2006 BO and to control the refill rate of Libby Dam. Provide stable or gradually declining discharge through the end of September following ramping rates and minimum flow quidelines in the 2006 BO for bull trout and white sturgeon. Additional recommendations may be provided as water supply forecasts are updated. JUSTIFICATION: The objective of the 2014 sturgeon augmentation operation described in this SOR is to provide two periods of peak river stage/flows during the spring run-off period. The first peak, timed to low-elevation run-off below Libby Dam, is intended to provide sturgeon cues to begin upstream migarations and staging. The second peak, timed to high-elevation run-off above Libby Dam, is intended to provide sturgeon cues to migrate further upstream from their staging areas and spawn towards the end of the second peak and/or on its descending limb. Overall, the goal is to provide conditions that will enable sturgeon to migrate to, and spawn over, rocky substrates that exist upstream of Bonners Ferry. This two-peak approach was successfully implemented in 2013. Telemetry data for spawning Kootenai sturgeon females from 2013. Telemetry data for spawning Kootenai sturgeon females from 2013 indicate that a higher proporation migrated just upstream of Bonners Ferry than in recent years. These results warrant at least an additional year of testing of the two-peak apporach. The operating parameters outlined in this SOR are intended to provide some guidance on how to achieve the attributes listed in Table 1 of the 2006 USFWS BO, given the current water supply forecast. Previous years operations have shown that conditions at Libby Dam and in the Kootenai River basin can change rapidly. Recognizing this, the start date and exact shape of the operation will need to be developed and modified in-season as more is known. The in-season coordination will occur in the sturgeon technical team and with a final recommendation coordinated through the action agencies and the Technical Management Team. |
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| 2. Requester(s) | Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
The Service presented the SOR to the TMT during the meeting on May 7. Additional supplemental information regarding the
operation may be found on the May 7 TMT agenda that is available on the following website: http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/tmt/agendas/2014/ May 7 TMT Meeting : The Service introduced the SOR focused on augmentation water for sturgeon and bull trout. The proposed SOR operation is similar to the two?peak sturgeon pulse operation that was implemented in 2013. The Service noted that the minimum recommended release volume is 1.17MAF, however, specifics of the operation cannot be determined this early in the season and thus will likely be adjusted based on real?time conditions. The Service explained that the operation is intended to coax sturgeon migration and staging upstream of Bonners Ferry. The Service noted that although there is not conclusive evidence from last years operation, behavior changes were observed and another year of the operation will provide more information. TMT members were polled on the SOR during the May 7 TMT meeting and provided the following comments. Oregon Support Washington Support Montana Support Idaho Support Nez Perce No Objection Umatilla/CRITFC Support Colville Support NOAA Support USFWS Support BPA Support BOR Support COE Support |
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| 4. AA Decision |
May 14 TMT Meeting. The AA's informed the TMT the AA decided to implement the SOR as described during the May 7 TMT meeting. |
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| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation |
On May 15 prior to the first sturgeon pulse the Action Agencies had been releasing approximately 16 kcfs. During the first
sturgeon pulse that occurred between the dates of May 16 through May 23 (8 days) the AA's ramped up to powerhouse capacity
with that resulted in outflows of approximately 25 kcfs. Once the first pulse ended on May 24 the AA's ramped back down
to 18 kcfs. On June 1 prior to the second sturgeon pulse the AA's were releasing approximately 18 kcfs. During the second
sturgeon pulse that occurred between the dates of June 2 through June 9 (8 days) the AA's ramped up outflows to approximately
26 kcfs. Once the second pulse ended on May 10 the AA's ramped back down to 20 kcfs. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2014-01 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR Request |
OBJECTIVE: Address "lack of demand" spill needs, maintain TDG standards at slightly higher spill levels, and increase spillway passage at Lower Monumental Dam. SPECIFICATIONS: The Salmon Managers who signed on to this request, recommend that beginning immediately, th Action Agencies utilize the uniform spill pattern at Lower Monumental Dam (2014 FPP, Table-LMN-10). JUSTIFICATIONS: Due to genteration issues, there has been a request from the Action Agencies for the Salmon Managers to review the current spill priority list for projects on the Snake and Columbia Rivers. In conducting this review, the Salmon Managers recommend the Lower Monumental Dam switch to the uniform spill pattern and be moved to the top of the spill priority list. The 2014 Fish Operations Plan specifically discusses changing the spill pattern from a bulk to uniform pattern under "lack of demand" conditions. Concerning spill patterns at Lower Monumental Dam, the 2014 Spring Fish Operation Plan states: "Consistent with adjustments made in 2013 spring operations through regional coordination, when total river flow is likely to exceed turbine capacity and spill over the 120% gas cap (occurs at a total river flow of ~ 140 kcfs) for three or more days, the project will use the uniform spill pattern. This may also occur if spill over the 120% gas cap is required due to "lack of demand" spill at any river flow level." Reductions in spill at this project at this time are inconsistent with efforts to effectively provide 'lack of demand' spill. In the 2009 study of bulk and uniform spill patterns at Lower Monumental Dam, the spill cap at Lower Monumental Dam was routinely higher when operating under the uniform pattern than when operating under the bulk pattern. Shifting to a uniform spill pattern under current flow conditions would allow more spill under the limitations of TDG in the Ice Harbor forebay and, at the same time, guide more fish away from the powerhouse. Signatories of the SOR believe this operation would lead to better survival of juveniles and more returning adults. |
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| 2. Requester(s) | US Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the Nez Perce Tribes, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
May 7 TMT Meeting: The Umatilla Tribe presented the SOR to reshape the Lower Monumental spill pattern from bulk to uniform spill. The SOR was drafted based on FPAC conversations associated with the desire change the current pattern at LMN from bulk to uniform. The SOR requested shifting to uniform spill to allow for an increase in spill while maintaining TDG standards and increasing spillway passage. Signatories of the SOR requested that the uniform spill pattern be maintained at all times, however, this component of the SOR was unclear to the AA's prior to the conversation today. When the AA's reviewed the SOR prior to the TMT meeting, they interpreted the request for uniform spill as only being during lack of load as described in the 2014 Spring Fish Operation Plan (FOP). Noting that twice the request for full time uniform spill has been elevated to and denied by RIOG therefore the Corps would not be implementing the SOR. AA's could however, implement the uniform pattern during lack of load. The Salmon Managers that signed on to the SOR (USFWS, CRITFC, Nez Perce, ID, WA, OR), expressed disappointment that uniform spill would only be used during lack of load, however, none indicated that they would elevate the issue at this point in time. OR is concerned that operations are not being designed with a biological basis and instead focus too narrowly on operational benefits. OR shared that the proposed SOR addressed both biological and operational needs and that the AA's inability to implement the operation was disappointing. It was noted by FPAC members that the AA's were implementing the operation as it is described in the FOP. The Corps indicated the AA's would not implement the SOR; however, the project will shift to uniform spill during lack of load as described in the FOP. When the Corps indicated that they would not be implementing the SOR, the signatories of the SOR indicated at this point they would not elevate the issue to the RIOG for the third time. Action: The AA's will implement the following operation as described in the FOP: As of the afternoon of May 7th, Lower Monumental will spill in a uniform pattern during lack of load conditions. This operation will continue until June 10th, 2014. Additional supplemental information regarding the operation may be found on the May 7 TMT agenda that is available on the following website: http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/tmt/agendas/2014/ |
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| 4. AA Decision |
May 7 TMT Meeting. The AA's informed the TMT the AA would not implement the SOR. |
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| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation |
The AA's operated the LMN spill pattern as described in the FOP. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2014C-1 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR request |
Specifications:
Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows: May 20, 2014, 6 am, Tuesday,
through 6 pm, May 22, 2014, Thursday. Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. |
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| 2. Participants | Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. | ||||
| 3. TMT recommendation | No objections were received from TMT. | ||||
| 4. AA decision |
The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint.
Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September. |
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| 5. IT recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (after IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Operation |
During the 60 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, May 20, 2014, 6 am, Tuesday,
through 6 pm, May 22, 2014, Thursday the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2014C-2 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR request |
Specifications:
Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows: May 28, 2014, 6 am, Wednesday,
through 6 pm, May 31, 2014, Saturday. Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. |
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| 2. Participants | Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. | ||||
| 3. TMT recommendation | No objections were received from TMT. | ||||
| 4. AA decision |
The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint.
Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September. |
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| 5. IT recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (after IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Operation |
During the 84 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, May 28, 2014, 6 am, Wednesday,
through 6 pm, May 31, 2014, Saturday the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2014C-3 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR request |
Specifications:
Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows: June 3, 2014, 6 am, Tuesday,
through 6 pm, June 6, 2014, Friday. Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. |
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| 2. Participants | Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. | ||||
| 3. TMT recommendation | No objections were received from TMT. | ||||
| 4. AA decision |
The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint.
Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September. |
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| 5. IT recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (after IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Operation |
During the 84 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, June 3, 2014, 6 am, Tuesday,
through 6 pm, June 6, 2014, Friday the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2014C-4 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR request |
Specifications:
Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows: June 10, 2014, 6 am, Tuesday,
through 6 pm, June 12, 2014, Thursday. Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. |
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| 2. Participants | Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. | ||||
| 3. TMT recommendation | No objections were received from TMT. | ||||
| 4. AA decision |
The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint.
Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September. |
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| 5. IT recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (after IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Operation |
During the 60 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, June 10, 2014, 6 am, Tuesday,
through 6 pm, June 12, 2014, Thursday the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --98.33% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2014C-5 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR request |
Specifications:
Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows: June 16, 2014, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, June 19, 2014, Thursday. June 23, 2014, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, June 26, 2014, Thursday. Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. |
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| 2. Participants | Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. | ||||
| 3. TMT recommendation | No objections were received from TMT. | ||||
| 4. AA decision |
The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint.
Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September. |
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| 5. IT recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (after IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Operation |
During the 84 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, June 16, 2014, 6 am, Monday,
through 6 pm, June 19, 2014, Thursday the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --97.62% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. During the 84 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, June 23, 2014, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, June 26, 2014, Thursday the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2014C-6 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR request |
Specifications:
Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows: June 30, 2014, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, July 3, 2014, Thursday. July 7, 2014, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, July 11, 2014, Friday. Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. |
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| 2. Participants | Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. | ||||
| 3. TMT recommendation | No objections were received from TMT. | ||||
| 4. AA decision |
The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint.
Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September. |
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| 5. IT recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (after IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Operation |
During the 84 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, June 30, 2014, 6 am, Monday,
through 6 pm, July 3, 2014, Thursday the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --97.62% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. During the 108 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, July 7, 2014, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, July 11, 2014, Friday the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2014C-7 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR request |
Specifications:
Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows: July 14, 2014, 6 am, Monday,
through 6 pm, July 18, 2014, Friday. Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. |
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| 2. Participants | Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. | ||||
| 3. TMT recommendation | No objections were received from TMT. | ||||
| 4. AA decision |
The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint.
Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September. |
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| 5. IT recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (after IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Operation |
During the 108 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, July 14, 2014, 6 am, Monday,
through 6 pm, July 18, 2014, Friday, the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2014C-8 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR request |
Specifications:
Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows: July 21, 2014, 6 am, Monday,
through 6 pm, July 25, 2014, Friday. Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. |
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| 2. Participants | Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. | ||||
| 3. TMT recommendation | No objections were received from TMT. | ||||
| 4. AA decision |
The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint.
Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September. |
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| 5. IT recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (after IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Operation |
During the 108 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, July 21, 2014, 6 am, Monday,
through 6 pm, July 25, 2014, Friday the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2014C-9 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR request |
Specifications:
Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows: July 28, 2014, 6 am, Monday,
through 6 pm, July 31, 2014, Thursday. Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. |
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| 2. Participants | Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. | ||||
| 3. TMT recommendation | No objections were received from TMT. | ||||
| 4. AA decision |
The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint.
Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September. |
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| 5. IT recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (after IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Operation |
During the 84 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, July 28, 2014, 6 am, Monday,
through 6 pm, July 31, 2014, Thursday the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2014-2 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR Request |
OBJECTIVE: Restore up to 10 kcfs discharge from Dworshak Dam for temperarture and flow management, achieving a Dworshak pool elevation of near 1535 ft. by August 31. JUSTIFICATIONS: Dworshak unit 3 was forced out of service on August 15 at 1411 hours. Since that time, project outflow has been reduced to approximately 7 kcfs without exceeding the State of Idaho 110% TDG standard, and the project will draft to approximately 1540 - 1542 ft. by August 31. Prior to the outage, the planned operation for Dworshak Dam was to discharge approximately 10 kcfs which would draft the project to an elevation of 1535 ft. on August 31. The decrease in cool water discharge from Dworshak has sever effects: There has been a reduction of cool water from Dworshak entering Lower Granite reservoir which will likely decrease the pool of cool water in the forebay. This cool water pool provides refuge for both juvenile and adult salmon. Emergency pumps have been installed in the forebay to tap into the coll water at 20 meters depth and provide water to the adult ladder and trap at Lower Granite Dam. Successful operations of the trap is a priority of many fisheries agencies. Maintaining emergency rental pump access to the cool water in the forebay is essential for effective operation of the trap and fish ladder. The reduction in Dworshak outflow results in up to 3 kcfs reduction in flow in the Lower Snake River which serves as a migration corridor for both juveniles and adults. The reduction in flow in the lower Snake River reduces the level of spill at the lower Snake River projects when the projects are operating at minimum generation. Several of the Snake River projects operate a single turbine unit and spill all additional water. Thus a reduction in flow translates into a direct reduction in spill at these projects. These are limitations to the level of TDG that would be acceptable. The Dworshak hatchery relies on the North Fork Clearwater for much of its water supply. Conversations with the hatchery manager indicate that TDG in the North Fork Clearwater in the range of 115% would likely be manageable. Real-time coordination with the hatchery managers will occur to enusre TDG levels are maintained within an acceptable range. SPECIFICATIONS: Dworshak unit 3 was forced out of service on August 15 at 1411 hours. Since that time, project outflow has been reduced to approximately 7 kcfs without exceeding the State of Idaho 110% TDG standard, and the project will draft to approximately 1540 - 1542 ft. by August 31. Prior to the outage, the planned operation for Dworshak Dam was to discharge approximately 10 kcfs which would draft the project to an elevation of 1535 ft. on August 31. The decrease in cool water discharge from Dworshak has sever effects: |
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| 2. Requester(s) | National Marine Fisheries Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Colville Tribes, the Nez Perce Tribe, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
August 20 TMT Meeting: The Corps provided an update on Dworshak operations. Due to a recent outage at Unit 3 (8/15/14), caused by a ground fault, the project has shifted from 10kcfs to 7kcfs outflow. Therefore the Corps is unable to achieve the 1,535 ft. elevation BiOp requirement at the end of August. Additionally, outflow cannot increase beyond 7kcfs without exceeding the State of Idahos water quality standard of 110% TDG, as stated in the NOAA Fisheries FCRPS BiOp and Water Management Plan. It is unknown when the unit will be brought back in service. NOAA drafted a SOR requesting that the Corps work to restore the 10kcfs flow out of Dworshak in order to proactively head-off potential temperature increases in the Lower Granite forebay and tailrace which would impact operation of the adult fish ladder and trap. NOAA does not operate the adult trap when temperatures exceed 69.0 degrees Fahrenheit and subsequently the trap will not be operated today because water temperatures were 69.3 degrees Fahrenheit at 0700 hours. The Corps provided an update on water temperatures in the Snake and Clearwater Rivers (links provided on the TMT agenda). With current weather conditions, and if 7 kcfs is maintained out of Dworshak, water temperatures are projected to stabilize around 66 degrees Fahrenheit in the LWG tailrace. Todays model run forecasts LWG tailwater temperatures decreasing down to approximately 64.5 degrees Fahrenheit on 8/27 in the LWG tailrace. August 27 TMT Meeting: NOAA shared the final special operation request for the Dworshak Operations, as submitted to the AA's last Wednesday, August 20. The request sought to increase discharge over 7kcfs, with the recognition of the potential impacts of increased TDG levels on the downstream hatcheries. NOAA noted that as of this morning the water temperature in the Lower Granite adult trap was around 71 degrees Fahrenheit, preventing the trap from operating, however, the cool pool depth is increasing. The Corps stated the plan is to maintain Dworshak TDG levels of 115% until target elevation 1,535 ft. is reached, likely by September 5th, then revert back to managing DWR outflows not to exceed 110% TDG. The Corps received a Short Term Activity Exemption of the Total Dissolved Gas Standard from Idaho and Nez Perce for the temporary exceedance of the 110% TDG water quality standard. September 17 TMT Meeting: The Corps provided an update on Dworshak operations. The Lower Granite tailwater is at 61 degrees Fahrenheit and the temperature augmentation is complete. On Monday, September 15th, Dworshak reduced discharge from 8.7kcfs (up to 115% TDG) to 6.7kcfs discharge (up to 110% TDG). The project will hold this operation until Friday and will then ramp down to 4.8kcfs (no spill) for approximately 2-3 days, then down to 2.4 kcfs (one small unit) until the forebay reaches 1,520 ft. on September 25, per the Dworshak Board Nez Perce agreement. After that time, the project will to go to a minimum discharge rate. BPA, noted that the lower three Snake River projects returned to the August 31 MOP range on the 25th coincident with the draft to elevation 1520 ft. at Dworshak, as has been implemented in previous years. Additional supplemental information regarding the operation may be found on the August 20 TMT agenda that is available on the following website: http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/tmt/agendas/2014/ |
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| 4. AA Decision | The AA's implemented the SOR. | ||||
| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation |
Midnight elevation on August 31 was 1541 ft. Midnight elevation on September 6 was 1535. Midnight elevation on September 21 was 1520 ft.
Midnight elevation on September 30 was 1519 ft. Between the September 1 through 14 Dworshak outflows were approximately 8.8 kcfs.
September 15 through 19 outflows were approximately 6.7 kcfs. September 20 through 21 outflows were 4.8 kcfs. September 22 outflows were
3.9 kcfs. September 23 through 25 outflows were between 2.0 to 2.4kcfs. September 26 through 30 outflows were 1.7 kcfs. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2014C-10 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR request |
Specifications:
Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows:
August 18, 2014, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, August 22, 2014, Friday.
August 25, 2014, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, August 30, 2014, Saturday.
September 2, 2014, 6 am, Tuesday, through 6 pm, September 6, 2014, Saturday.
September 8, 2014, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, September 13, 2014, Saturday.
September 15, 2014, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, September 19, 2014, Friday.
Bonneville: Operate the pool within
a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band
during the treaty fishing period. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. |
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| 2. Participants | Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. | ||||
| 3. TMT recommendation | No objections were received from TMT. | ||||
| 4. AA decision |
The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint.
Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September. |
||||
| 5. IT recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (after IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Operation |
During the 108 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, August 18, 2014, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, August 22, 2014, Friday,
the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. During the 132 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, August 25, 2014, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, August 30, 2014, Saturday, the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. During the 108 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, September 2, 2014, 6 am, Tuesday, through 6 pm, September 6, 2014, Saturday, the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. During the 132 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, September 8, 2014, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, September 13, 2014, Saturday, the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --98.48% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. During the 108 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, September 15, 2014, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, September 19, 2014, Friday, the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2014C-11 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR request |
Specifications:
Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows: September 22, 2014, 6 am, Monday,
through 6 pm, September 25, 2014, Thursday. Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. |
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| 2. Participants | Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. | ||||
| 3. TMT recommendation | No objections were received from TMT. | ||||
| 4. AA decision |
The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint.
Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September. |
||||
| 5. IT recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (after IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Operation |
During the 84 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, September 22, 2014, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, September 25, 2014, Thursday
the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2014C-12 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR request |
Specifications:
Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows: September 29, 2014, 6 am, Monday,
through 6 pm, October 3, 2014, Friday. Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. |
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| 2. Participants | Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. | ||||
| 3. TMT recommendation | No objections were received from TMT. | ||||
| 4. AA decision |
The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint.
Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September. |
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| 5. IT recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (after IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Operation |
During the 108 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, September 29, 2014, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, October 3, 2014, Friday
the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2014C-13 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR request |
Specifications:
Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows: October 6, 2014, 6 am, Monday,
through 6 pm, October 10, 2014, Friday. Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. |
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| 2. Participants | Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. | ||||
| 3. TMT recommendation | No objections were received from TMT. | ||||
| 4. AA decision |
The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint.
Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September. |
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| 5. IT recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (after IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Operation |
During the 108 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, October 6, 2014, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, October 10, 2014, Friday
the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --98.15% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2014C-14 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR request |
Specifications:
Implement the following pool operations as a hard system constraint, as follows: October 13, 2014, 6 am, Monday,
through 6 pm, October 16, 2014, Thursday. Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. |
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| 2. Participants | Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. | ||||
| 3. TMT recommendation | No objections were received from TMT. | ||||
| 4. AA decision |
The Corps agreed to operating the Bonneville, John Day and Dalles pools within a 1.5' operating band, hard constraint.
Note that the 2008 BiOp sets a 1.5 foot operating range at John Day, hard constraint, through 30 September. |
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| 5. IT recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (after IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Operation |
During the 84 one hour intervals associated with the SOR, October 13, 2014, 6 am, Monday, through 6 pm, October 16, 2014, Thursday
the Corps maintained the following system constraints: Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. The Dalles (Celilo): Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period --100% compliance. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period -- 100% compliance. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||