D2015-FWS#1 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR Request |
SPECIFICATIONS: Release 6,000 cfs or less from Libby Dam during September through the first week of November, 2016. 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 2015: · The 2015 sturgeon operations at Libby Dam will consist of one period of peak flow, followed by a hydrograph that gradually recedes towards the anticipated stable summer flow at Libby Dam (Figure 1). · Begin sturgeon augmentation flow when the Regional Team of Biologists determines that high elevation 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 feet per second (cfs)) for a period of 7 days. · After 7 days of peak discharge, decrease discharge at Libby Dam towards stable summer flows until the sturgeon volume is exhausted to no less than bull trout minimum flows (7,000 cfs in Tier 2). · 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 hydrograph, described below. · 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 peak operation, described above, allowing for release of warmer surface water as the descending 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 degrees C) during the descending limb of the hydrograph. · 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 guidelines in the 2006 BO for bull trout and white sturgeon. Additional recommendations may be provided as water supply forecasts are updated. JUSTIFICATIONS: The objective of the 2015 sturgeon augmentation operation described in this SOR is to provide peak river stages/flows during the spring run-off period. This peak, timed to high elevation run-off below Libby Dam, is intended to first provide sturgeon cues to begin upstream migration and staging, then as river temperatures warm to 8-10 degrees C, provide sturgeon cues to migrate further upstream from their staging areas and spawn on the 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. Although a two-peak approach was successfully implemented in 2013 and 2014, lower water supply conditions in the Kootenai River basin preclude a repeat in 2015. Therefore, sturgeon managers will manage river temperatures as they did in 2013-2014, just with a single peak. Telemetry data for spawning Kootenai sturgeon females from 2013-2014 indicate that a higher proportion migrated just upstream of Bonners Ferry than in previous years. The single-peak operation will allow sturgeon managers to test whether those results are due to the two-peak approach, temperature management, a combination of the two, or another factor. 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) | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service presented the SOR to the TMT during the meetings on May 6 and 13.
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/2015/ May 6 TMT Meeting: The USFWS, presented SOR-FWS #1, Libby Release for Sturgeon and Bull Trout. The USFWS explained that due to the low flow year there is not enough water for a two sturgeon pulses. This year's operation will instead aim for a single pulse targeting peak runoff from the high elevation tributaries. The single pulse operation maintains the same temperature management approach utilized in the double-pulse operations, which aims to target spawning temperatures towards the end of the operation. The pulse is intended to provide cues to sturgeon to begin upstream migration, then as temperatures warm, to provide cues to migrate further upstream from staging areas to spawn. The SOR is for full powerhouse for 7 days, followed by gradually receding flow until the sturgeon volume is exhausted; however, flow will not drop below the bull trout minimum (7,000cfs through August 31 in Tier 2 year). It was noted that flood risk reduction operations supersede flow augmentation and project managers will coordinate operations with regional sturgeon managers. The Corps explained how the Action Agencies would implement the SOR if approved by TMT. The April-Aug inflow forecast for May is 5.4MAF; however, the Corps expects that the inflow will likely be less, closer to 5MAF. This means that the target Sturgeon volume will be 800KAF and the Bull Trout minimum will be 7kcfs through August 31. The TMT will poll on SOR FWS#1 at the May 13th meeting. May 13 TMT Meeting: The USFWS, provided an update on the proposed SOR-FWS#1. The Service noted that with the warmer weather and current system moving through, the proposed operation would likely start as early as next week, if approved through TMT. The date change proposed is due to river temperatures approaching spawning temperatures. The Service noted the daily maximum river temperatures are currently between 8-9 degrees Celsius and typically Sturgeon spawn between 8-10 degrees Celsius. USFWS is working with ID to assess where the sturgeon are in the system, as this will feed into when the operation would be implemented. The Corps clarified that the SOR operation discussed last week remains the same, the only change is the potential change in start date. TMT representatives present were polled in regards to their support for implementing SOR-FWS #1: BOR, BPA, Colville, ID, Kootenai, MT, Nez Perce, NOAA, Umatilla, USACE, USFWS, and WA were in support of the operation; OR did not have objection to the operation. May 20 TMT Meeting: The Corps provided an update on the Libby Dam flow release for sturgeon and bull trout. The Corps noted that the sturgeon flow planning team met yesterday and decided to start the operation on Friday, May 22nd. Libby will operate at full powerhouse, 26.5 kcfs, beginning on Friday, May 22nd and continuing for 7 days. On Friday, May 29th, the operation will ramp down to 20kcfs and hold for 4 to 5 days and attempt to refill the pool. OR, asked what the temperature of the water is expected to be during the pulse? The Corps noted that the water temperature between Libby Dam and Bonners Ferry is at 50° F. The Action Agencies will implement SOR – USFWS - 01. |
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| 4. AA Decision |
May 13 TMT Meeting:
Based on the TMT's recommendations the Action Agencies will implement SOR-FWS#1 |
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| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation |
The sturgeon pulse started on Friday, May 22nd. Libby operated at full powerhouse, 26.5
kcfs, beginning on Friday, May 22nd and continuing for 7 days. On Friday, May 29th, the
operation reduced outflows down to 20kcfs for 5 days to refill. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2015-02 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR Request |
SPECIFICATIONS: Release 6,000 cfs or less from Libby Dam during September and October, 2015. Provide gradually declining discharge to the target flow following ramping rate guidelines in the 2006 USFWS BiOp for bull trout and white sturgeon. JUSTIFICATION: Low flows in the Kootenai River in September and October are requested to allow the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho’s contractor to implement in-water work associated with the Bonners Ferry Island Project during September and October, 2015. The project objectives include construction of two islands on existing mid-channel bars (increased elevation of 5-8 feet, ~18 total acres), excavation of three deep pools (20-30 feet deep, ~5 total acres), construction of two large and two smaller pool-forming structures, and bank grading and revegetation (~3,400 feet on south bank and ~2,500 feet on north bank). This project will be implemented over two construction seasons in 2015 and 2016. The 2015 work will include the island construction, excavation of two pools, and bank grading and revegetation on the north bank of the river. The proposed operation will ensure Action Agency compliance with the USFWS Biological Opinion regarding the Effects of Libby Dam Operations on the Kootenai River White Sturgeon, Bull Trout, and Kootenai Sturgeon Critical Habitat (1901F0279R) as clarified (2008). Action 2.1 under RPA Component 2 (Management of Sturgeon Habitat) calls for Action Agency cooperation in implementing the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho’s Kootenai River Restoration Project Master Plan. |
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| 2. Requester(s) | Kootenai Tribe of Idaho | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
The KOTI presented the SOR to the TMT during the meetings on May 6 and 13. Additional information regarding the operation
may be found on the on the following website: http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/tmt/agendas/2015/ May 6 TMT Meeting: The KOTI presented SOR 2015-02- September/October 2015 Libby Dam Outflow for Kootenai River Habitat Restoration Project. The KOTI noted that the SOR requests 6,000cfs or less from Libby Dam during September and October, with a gradual decline to reach the targeted flow (following ramping rate guidelines in the 2006 USFWS BiOp for Bull Trout and White Sturgeon). The KOTI continued that the low flow is needed to allow the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho’s contractor to implement the in-water work associated with the Bonners Ferry Island Project described above. The KOTI noted that this project will be require two seasons to be completed, however, another SOR will be presented to TMT in 2016 for the remaining work. The Corps explained how the Action Agencies would implement the SOR if approved by TMT. This year Libby Dam will likely be drafted to 2339 feet (20 feet from full), as triggered by the BiOp during years when water supply is forecasted to be in the lowest 20th percentile (defined as a May final forecast of less than 72.2 MAF of April-August runoff volume at The Dalles Dam). The May final forecast will be finalized tomorrow but as of today the forecast is 69.7 MAF and is unlikely to increase above 72.2 MAF. In accordance with the BiOp, the Action Agencies would draft to 2339 feet by end of September based on the current forecast. This year, the Action Agencies will target 2339 feet by end of August in order to provide the low flow as requested in the SOR. Additional information regarding specific project outflow, dates, and forebay elevations, were provided in a presentation attached to today’s TMT agenda: http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/tmt/agendas/2015/0506_LibbyOps_MayPublicMeetings.pdf MT noted that if the forecast remains dry and inflow is low it might be appropriate to maintain a cushion above 2,439ft by the end of August. TMT members generally agreed that the target elevation should be revisited in season. The Corps requested that TMT members review the SOR and come prepared to poll on the SOR at the May 13th meeting. The TMT will poll on SOR 2015-02 at the May 13th meeting. May 13 TMT Meeting: The Corps recapped SOR 2015-02, noting that the request is to hold a steady 6,000cfs or less from Libby Dam during September and October, with a gradual decline to reach the targeted flow (following ramping rate guidelines in the 2006 USFWS BiOp for Bull Trout and White Sturgeon). This SOR is intended to hold flows low and steady for construction on the next phase of the Kootenai River Habitat Restoration Project. TMT was briefed on this SOR by the KOTI at the 5/6 TMT meeting. NOAA, noted there were no additional FPAC comments on the SOR. BPA, noted that the operation will draft on minimums through the end of September and will be revisited by TMT in July to ensure the pool is not over drafted. TMT representatives present were polled in regards to their support for implementing SOR-2015-02: BOR, BPA, Colville, ID, Kootenai, Nez Perce, NOAA, Umatilla, Corps, USFWS, and WA were in support of the operation; MT approved the SOR with the caveat that TMT will revisit the operation in July/August for in season management of pool elevations; OR did not have objection to the operation. September 16 TMT Meeting: The Corps reported on planned operations for Libby. The Corps noted that the project is operating at 6kcfs to meet Bull Trout minimums and construction needs for the Kootenai Tribe’s habitat restoration work. The project will hold 6kcfs through the end of September, and then drop down to 4kcfs beginning in October. Currently, the STP shows that 6kcfs out will allow the project to get close to hitting the 2,439ft target in the end of September, however, the forecast may be a bit less dry and elevations may be closer to 2,439.8ft. |
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| 4. AA Decision |
May 13 TMT Meeting:
The Corps informed the TMT the AA's would implement SOR-2015-02; TMT will check back in
on the operation in July. |
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| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation |
Libby Dam outflow September 3 through 30 was 6.1 kcfs and Libby midnight reservoir elevation on September 30 was 2440.17 feet. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
2015-1 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR Request |
SPECIFICATIONS: Objective: Limit the draft of Libby during the month of December to increase the probability of achieving the April 10 flood control rule curve. The Corps is requested to consider targeting a Libby elevation up to 2426 feet for the end of December until additional snow and precipitation data is available. JUSTIFICATION: Historically the flood control rule curve for the Libby project was set at elevation 2411feet at the end of December. The Corps developed a modified flood control procedure in 2004 and adopted an early forecast procedure. This new procedure allowed the project to be operated to an end of December elevation that ranged from 2411 feet to 2426 feet based on a December forecast. The early forecast procedure is largely based on two components: the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) and the quantity of fall precipitation. This year the SOI is strongly indicative of an El Nino condition and the fall precipitation has been near to above average. The Corps’ current forecast for the Libby project for the April – August period may result in some relaxation of the draft to the 2411-foot elevation at the end of December. However, the salmon mangers would still like the Corps to consider targeting an end of December elevation as high as 2426 feet until additional snow and precipitation data is available. The basis for this request is two-fold. One is the long-term 90-day outlook being provided by the Climate Prediction Center which calls for below average precipitation and above average temperature for the northwest (Figure 1). The second concern is the salmon managers would like all available measures to be in place in the event 2016 is yet another low runoff year. |
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| 2. Requester(s) | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
December 11 TMT Meeting: NOAA Fisheries presented SOR 2015-01, on behalf of NOAA, CRITFC, ID, OR, WA, and USFWS. The SOR requests that the Corps consider further
relaxation of the December flood control elevation at Libby, allowing Libby to reach up to 2,426 feet. NOAA Fisheries noted that the intent of the SOR is to avoid drafting
Libby due to concerns of what could be a dry winter. The Corps reviewed the current forecast, noting that they are currently operating with a relaxation of up to 2,415.3 feet
due to the SOI forecast. The precipitation that is used in the December forecast though is currently at 120% of the average. The snowpack is the main driver for water
supply, and they have seen good snow building events, thus the 2,415.3 feet relaxation looks to be a prudent operation until more information is available. The Corps noted
that they will continue to track forecasts and reassess the relaxation the week of 12/21. TMT members were polled to see if there were any objections to SOR 2015-01: NOAA: no objection OR: no objection WA: no objection Umatilla: no objection BOR: no objection USFWS: no objection ID: no objection MT: no objection BPA: no objection, will support the Corps USACE: no objection Colville: was not present at the meeting, however, signaled no objection via email to USACE. The Corps will plan on relaxing the Libby end of December flood control elevation up to 2415.3 feet. |
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| 4. AA Decision |
December 11 TMT Meeting:
The Corps will plan on relaxing the Libby end of December flood control elevation up to 2415.3 feet.
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| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation |
The Corps relaxed the Libby end of December flood control elevation which resulted in an December 31 midnight reservoir elevation of 2414.95 feet. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||