D2023-01 D2023-02 D2023-C1 DSOR D2023-5
D2023-01 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR Request |
SPECIFICATIONS: We request that Performance Standard Spill be suspended at Lower Granite and Lower Monumental while spill is reduced due to the non-salmonid GBT exceedance below Ice Harbor. This will result in maintaining the 115%/120% TDG spill cap for 24 hours per day. We further request the COE seek guidance from WDOE on whether there are alternatives to the spill reductions in the current geographic zones identified by the biological monitoring plan. This request is supported by regional managers, including WDFW, for the benefit of juvenile salmonids. JUSTIFICATION: On May 09, 2023, USGS staff observed the first exceedance of the non-salmonid gas bubble trauma criterion since the spill to the 125% TDG limit began in 2020. Specifically, the USGS sample of native non-salmonids included 99 sculpin and 7 pikeminnow with a GBT incidence rate of 26.7%. All fish with GBT symptoms were sculpin. The sample was taken below Ice Harbor Dam. Spill is currently the primary strategy for ESA-listed fish passage in the Columbia River with well documented benefits for survival. Under the Washington Department of Ecology water quality regulations, reduced spill is applied to an entire zone, in this case all four Lower Snake River dams, rather than only where the GBT criterion exceedance was observed. Yet, the application of reduced spill to all Lower Snake River projects is unjustified because recent samples at other sites in the Snake River have not exceeded WDOE’s criteria. The salmon managers have concerns that an important protection for ESA-listed anadromous fish across the entire Snake River Basin has been disrupted due to the impacts of a highly abundant non-listed local population of native fish. Implementing the current GBT guidelines will reduce spill (Table 1) in the Lower Snake River to levels lower than implemented under the 2018 court injunction (see 2018 Fish Operations Plan) because the Action Agencies plan to continue implementing 8 hours of Performance Standard Spill while reducing the TDG limit for the 16 hours of higher spill. The degradation of fish passage conditions will coincide with peak juvenile salmon and steelhead passage in the Lower Snake River. Our request seeks to restore fish passage operations to the maximum extent possible while still addressing the GBT criteria exceedance below Ice Harbor. |
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| 2. Requester(s) | Nez Perce tribes, Yakama Nation, ODFW, IDFG, WDFW, and CRITFC | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
May 11, 2023, TMT Meeting. Tom Lorz, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation/CRITFC, presented SOR 2023-1 (posted to the TMT website). The SOR is for the benefit of juvenile out-migrating salmonids and requests a change in spill operations following gas bubble trauma (GBT) criteria exceedance that began on May 9. Specifically, the Nez Perce Tribe, Yakama Nation, ODFW, IDFG, WDFW, and CRITFC, request that Performance Standard Spill be suspended at Lower Granite and Lower Monumental while the water quality standard is reduced due to the non-salmonid GBT exceedance below Ice Harbor Dam. Instead, the signatories of the SOR request that the AAs maintain the 120%/115% TDG spill cap for 24hrs/day until the 2023 FOP coordinated spill operations can resume. Additionally, they request that the Corps connect with Washington Department of Ecology (WDOE) to determine if there are alternatives to the spill reductions in the current geographic zones identified in the Monitoring Plan. This is the first exceedance of non-salmonid GBT criterion since spill to the 125% TDG limit started in 2020. TMT Members were polled on the SOR as written: o NOAA = Abstain. o OR = Support. o WA = Support. o Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation = Support. o Corps = Abstain. o USFWS = Abstain. o ID = Support. o NPT = Support. o BPA = Abstain. o The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, Montana, Reclamation, Spokane Tribe of Indians, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs were not present to register a polling response. Charles Morrill, WDFW, asked that a follow-up email from Paula Calvert, BPA, regarding monitoring questions posed at the May 10 TMT meeting, be considered in the conversation: USGS has attempted beach seining and electrofishing for non-salmonid sample collection this spring. However, seining has been ineffective for catching non-salmonids and USGS encounters far fewer salmonids electrofishing. For sampling downstream of Ice Harbor on May 9, they used electrofishing for sampling at depths of approximately 0.5m and not deeper than 0.75m. USGS had difficulty locating fish for sample collection; By mid-day they only collected 13 fish. Most of the 106 native non-salmonid fish were collected at a site near the boat ramp about 8 miles below Ice Harbor. Regarding sampling depth, it should be noted that Washington Department of Ecology’s Rule Implementation Plan states, “Biological monitoring occurring outside of the fish bypass system should focus on relatively shallow areas of the river that have a higher likelihood of TDG related impacts due to limited depth compensation.” (p. 8). Action Agency Decision The Corps, reported that the Corps is not able to implement the SOR as written, and updated the TMT how the Corps plans on moving forward. Dan Turner, Corps, noted that additional information was received from Washington Department of Ecology following the May 10 TMT meeting, and introduced Chad Brown, WDOE. Chad reported that WDOE reviewed site-specific data to consider flexibility available, within the scope of compliance with the approved Biological Monitoring Plan (BMP). WDOE looked at the non-salmonid GBT data collected downstream of Lower Granite and the data from downstream of Ice Harbor to make a site-specific determination (where information is available). GBT thresholds were exceeded downstream of Ice Harbor and not downstream of Lower Granite. As a result, WDOE advised the Corps that Granite can remain at 125% TDG because the site-specific data show there is no current GBT exceedance based on the samples collected there. Ice Harbor should lower to meet the 120%/115% TDG levels. Regarding Little Goose and Lower Monumental, where no site-specific data are available, WDOE recommends following the objectives and triggers in the BMP. Chad clarified that both salmonid and non-salmonid GBT parameters are used to determine compliance. The BMP does not include tailrace sampling for non-salmonids at Little Goose or Lower Monumental, however, Chad noted that if equivalent data quality standards and protocols were used, WDOE could consider using nonsalmonid GBT data collected downstream of those projects in future decision making. Charles noted salmonid sampling data available on the FPC website: samples from Little Goose on May 5 did not show an exceedance, nor did Lower Monumental on May 3. Ben Hausmann, BPA, noted that those data are older and not from the same timeframe as the samples from Lower Granite and Ice Harbor. Dan reported that the Corps plans to increase the spill cap at Lower Granite to meet the 125% TDG standard and implement the 16 hours spill cap/8 hours performance standard spill per the FOP. This afternoon at 1600 hours, the spill cap target will change at Lower Granite to 80 kcfs, targeting 125% TDG. There will be no changes (from yesterday’s decision) at Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental and Little Goose dams. The Corps is seeking a modification to the BMP to reflect this change to site-specific management. Site-specific data downstream of Lower Granite will continue to be considered while the Corps works with WDOE to revise the approved plan and remain in compliance. TMT Members were polled on the Corps’ revised actions noted above. Some provided additional rationale for their responses: o NOAA = Support. NOAA sees the Corps’ logic in this decision, in following their interpretation of the water quality standard as written with the current BMP, and they have agreed to work through details and address regional concerns on a technical and policy level. They’re doing what they can within the current regulation. o OR = Abstain. Oregon feels the situation is messy and inconsistent. They appreciate the efforts on behalf of all parties, especially the Corps’ efforts to work with WDOE and engage them in the process. There is inconsistency in using available information to adaptively manage operations which is concerning to Oregon. The BMP seems to be treated differently depending on where the process is, either rigidly or not; Oregon remains concerned that this plan is not being adaptively managed to the extent possible. This change largely focuses on a species that is not listed. Monitoring evaluation needs to be addressed. o WA = No Objection. Washington appreciates WDOE’s and the Corps’ engagement. They don’t object to the efforts to resolve, and the communication and dialogue to address Fish Managers’ concerns. They recognize the efforts made and that there is not full agreement on how to proceed. Washington agreed with Oregon’s concern from a biological perspective and the need to do the best possible for successful fish migration. This event comes at a time when spill would be highly beneficial to juvenile fish. Washington respects WDOE’s role in the Clean Water Act and its implementation. o Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation = Abstain. Umatilla appreciates the conversation, there will be continuing discussions and Fish Managers will work within the regional forums as best they can to find a better long-term outcome. o USFWS = Support. USFWS echoed Washington’s appreciation to WDOE and the Corps on their efforts and engagement; noting that it is good to see some flexibility in the regulations, especially as this is the first instance of exceeding the GBT thresholds. There will be more discussion on how to refine this moving forward. o ID = Support Action 1; Object Action 2. Idaho supports the Corps returning to the implementation of the FOP at Lower Granite, however, they object to continuing performance standard spill at Lower Monumental. They appreciate the Corps’ TMT representatives committing to asking Corps policy representatives to request flexibility surrounding performance standard spill at Lower Monumental. If this flexibility is granted, Idaho would support this action. The process seems out of balance from a fish perspective, and Idaho would like to have opportunity to provide input on the monitoring plan in the future, as these actions impact fish that migrate to the state. o NPT = No Objection. Nez Perce’s No Objection is based off the real time situation, not the precedence this sets for process. They appreciate the restoration of the 125% at Lower Granite, and are practically looking at conditions for Lower Monumental. They observe that the regulating process in this is WDOE water quality standard and associating permits; further interaction or response to Fish Manager efforts to balance environmental conditions for all species is much needed in this process. This isn’t being achieved in the current permit guidelines, and this is a challenge for the Corps to implement under those rigid applications. Nez Perce hopes for continued responsiveness and effective engagement with Fish Managers. o BPA = Support. No additional comments. o The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, Montana FWP, Reclamation, Spokane Tribe of Indians, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs were not present to register a polling response. Following detailed discussion and clarifications among TMT Members, the Corps committed to: o ACTION: Julie and Dan will share Fish Managers’ input with the Corps’ policy team, specifically, that the Fish Managers request that the Corps reach out to USGS and WDOE respectively to: A) consider what opportunities there are for additional non-salmonid monitoring to be implemented downstream of Lower Monumental and Little Goose and; B) Changing operations at Lower Monumental to 120%/115% all times, with no performance standard blocks. The Corps will move forward with the following implementation: 1. Starting at 1600 hours today (or as soon as able), Lower Granite will change back to 125% TDG operations during gas cap spill hours (16 hours/day); 2. 120%/115% plus performance standard blocks operations will continue at Lower Monumental and Little Goose dams. Ice Harbor will continue 120%/115% gas cap operations. The Corps will discuss additional flexibility with policy and will revise the Spill Priority List to reflect these changes. |
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| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation |
May 11, 2023, TMT Meeting. ACTION: Julie and Dan will share Fish Managers’ input with the Corps’ policy team, specifically, that the Fish Managers request that the Corps reach out to USGS and WDOE respectively to: A) consider what opportunities there are for additional non-salmonid monitoring to be implemented downstream of Lower Monumental and Little Goose and; B) Changing operations at Lower Monumental to 120%/115% all times, with no performance standard blocks. The Corps will move forward with the following implementation: 1. Starting at 1600 hours today (or as soon as able), Lower Granite will change back to 125% TDG operations during gas cap spill hours (16 hours/day); 2. 120%/115% plus performance standard blocks operations will continue at Lower Monumental and Little Goose dams. Ice Harbor will continue 120%/115% gas cap operations. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2023-02 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR Request |
SPECIFICATIONS: During the period spill is reduced due to the non-salmonid Gas Bubble Trauma (GBT) criterion exceedance below Ice Harbor under Washington Department of Ecology’s (WDOE) water quality waiver we request that: (1) The USACE implement spill to the 125% tailrace gas cap for 24 hours per day at Lower Granite Dam. (2) The USACE spill to the 120% tailrace gas cap for 24 hours per day at Little Goose, Lower Monumental, and Ice Harbor dams JUSTIFICATION: The goal of our request is two-fold: (1) to maximize surface passage opportunity for currently migrating smolts in the Snake River while acknowledging constraints imposed by WDOE’s water quality waiver and (2) further explore flexibility within WDOE spill restrictions to refine and modify the biological plan and consequent implementation under possible future GBT criteria exceedances. On May 30, 2023, USGS staff observed the second exceedance of the non-salmonid gas bubble trauma criterion since the spill to the 125% TDG limit began in 2020. Both exceedances have occurred in 2023 below Ice Harbor Dam. Like the first exceedance on May 09, the sample was dominated by sculpin and as were nearly all individuals with symptoms of GBT. WDOE’s criteria has not been exceeded below Lower Granite Dam. No sampling occurs in the tailraces of Little Goose and Lower Monumental Dams. Spill is currently the primary strategy for ESA-listed fish passage in the Columbia River with well documented benefits for survival. Under the Washington Department of Ecology water quality regulations, reduced spill is applied to an entire zone, in this case all four Lower Snake River dams rather than only where the GBT criterion exceedance was observed. Following the first exceedance, communication between the USACE and WDOE modified the implementation plan to permit spill to the 125% TDG cap at Lower Granite Dam but reduce spill to achieve a maximum of 115% forebay/120% tailrace TDG at Little Goose, Lower Monumental and Ice Harbor Dams. Despite the reduced spill during the “Gas Cap period”, the Action Agencies still maintained the “Performance Spill period” at Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite Dams. While there is a biological reason to maintaining a 30% spill period at Little Goose under some flow conditions (i.e., reducing dam-induced adult passage delays) the biological justification for maintaining a “Performance Spill period” at Lower Granite and Lower Monumental dams during GBT criteria exceedance driven reduced spill is weaker. The fish managers signatory to this SOR are concerned that an important protection for ESAlisted anadromous fish across the entire Snake River Basin has been disrupted due to the operational impacts observed in a highly abundant non-listed local population of native fish. These concerns are partially outlined in SOR 2023-1 with some changes. The Fish Passage Center estimated that the first reduction in fish passage spill occurring May 10-17 caused by observation of GBT in sculpins increased powerhouse encounters relative to 125% TDG spill operations and impacted upwards of 88% of endangered Snake River sockeye salmon smolts, 23% of threatened Snake River spring/summer Chinook salmon smolts, and 28% of Snake River summer Steelhead smolts (FPC memo 26-23). Peak passage of yearling Chinook and steelhead has passed and threatened Snake River Fall Chinook salmon are now the predominant juvenile migrants in the Lower Snake River. Thus, the impact of reducing spill for non-ESA listed fishes in shallow water habitats has shifted to a different ESA-listed anadromous fish in the Snake River basin. Under projected flows in the Snake River of 90-100kcfs over the next 7 days, performance spill at LMN and LGS will not be substantially different from spill to the 120% gas cap spill (Table 1). Yet, there is a difference as flows continue to recede for Lower Monumental and Little Goose Dams due to the percentage-based Performance Spill and we request spill to the 120% TDG gas cap for 24 hours per day. Given the nuance with LMN and LGS, spill to the 125% TDG gas cap for 24 hours/day at Lower Granite Dam in addition to spill request for LMN and LGS is the clearest way for powerhouse encounter rates to approach what would have occurred in the FOP under these conditions. The requested operations should meet the requirements of WDOE’s water quality waiver following a non-salmonid GBT criteria exceedance by achieving 120% TDG in the tailraces of Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, and Little Goose dams. |
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| 2. Requester(s) | Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Nez Perce Tribe, Yakama Nation, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission/Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
June 2, 2023, TMT Meeting. System Operational Request (SOR): 2023-2 – Jonathan Ebel, IDFG, presented SOR 2023-2 (posted to the TMT website). The SOR relates to spill operations following GBT criteria exceedance below Ice Harbor Dam on May 30. It requests that, during the period that spill is reduced at lower Snake River projects due to non-salmonid GBT criterion exceedance, the Corps: 1. Implements spill to the 125% tailrace gas cap for 24 hours/day at Lower Granite Dam; and 2. Implements spill to the 120% tailrace gas cap for 24 hours/day at Little Goose, Lower Monumental, and Ice Harbor dams. The goal of this SOR is to maximize surface passage opportunity for currently migrating smolts in the Snake River while acknowledging requirements of WDOE’s water quality standard. On May 31, spill was reduced at Little Goose, Lower Monumental, and Ice Harbor dams due to the observed non-salmonid GBT exceedance below Ice Harbor on May 30, the second exceedance below Ice Harbor within the last month. Similar to the first exceedance, the GBT exceedance was overwhelmingly in sculpin inhabiting shallow water; GBT in a single pikeminnow was also documented. According to a Fish Passage Center Memo, they estimated that the first exceedance and resulting spill reduction operations affected an estimated 23% of juvenile spring/summer Chinook, 28% of summer steelhead, and 88% of Snake River sockeye. Peak passage for these fish has passed, however, this second exceedance coincides with peak passage of threatened Snake River fall Chinook. Based on PIT-tags and passage index at Lower Granite, the current spill reduction could affect upwards of 22% of these juvenile migrants. Salmon Manager signatories on the SOR believe that the response to the GBT exceedance can be better for salmonid migrants than outlined in the Action Agencies’ (AAs’) biological monitoring plan (as approved by WDOE), while still meeting the regulations. Regulations only specify the reduced TDG limit and do not require AAs to implement performance standard spill, and WDOE has allowed AAs to maintain the 125% TDG limit at Lower Granite. Jay Hesse, Nez Perce Tribe, reminded the group that the TMT process is to respond to in-season conditions and make adaptive management adjustments as agreed to by the various represented perspectives. He noted operational benefits to the various pillars outside of what Jonathan mentioned regarding fish; he described that the operation should have no impact to navigation (functionality), would reduce wear on infrastructure, and would not impact increases in power generation during nonperformance standard hours (16-hr blocks). According to Jay’s calculations, the SOR operation would reduce power generation during the performance standard hours by about 3,500 megawatt hours. Overall, the operation would remain a net benefit to power. Questions and Comments from TMT Members. Dan Turner, Corps, clarified that part 2 of the SOR is to implement WDOE’s 115% forebay criteria in addition to the tailrace criteria; and spill to 115%/120% tailrace gas cap. Jonathan noted that the intent was to include 115%/120%, recognizing that it is challenging to meet 115% at times; the spill cap estimates in the SOR are based on spill caps provided by the Corps. He clarified that the main change is to pull out performance standard spill periods at the projects. Jonathan thought that the most significant difference between what’s being implemented now and what the SOR is requesting comes from the 24 hour/day gas cap spill at Lower Granite. Trevor Conder, NOAA, noted the importance of the nuances (the SOR as written did not specify 115% in the forebay) and the significance from a policy and operational perspective. As written, the SOR would conflict with state water quality standards and could result in a higher percentage of spill during gas cap spill hours if there is a 120% spill cap versus a 115%/120% during the 16-hour period, which could have a differential effect on adult passage. Chris Peery, Corps, noted that there is not just juvenile migration to consider; eliminating performance standard spill at any level can be problematic for adult passage at Little Goose, as well as Lower Granite and Lower Monumental. Chris noted that adult Chinook salmon could be delayed during their peak passage at Lower Granite. Jay noted that adult passage is one of the aspects that Nez Perce Tribe considers carefully; their recommendation would be to continue to monitor adult passage on a regular basis and revert back to the regular operations if indications of delay were observed. Action Agencies took a brief caucus to discuss internally the implications of the SOR prior to polling considering the clarification to the request in #2. TMT Members were polled on the SOR as written and as clarified by Ebel to include the 115% forebay standard in #2. Some provided additional rationale for their responses: o NOAA = Object. NOAA continues to want the best passage for fish (both downstream juvenile passage and upstream adult passage). NOAA has remained firm since the beginning of the Stay Agreement that performance standard blocks at some projects are important when spilling to gas cap levels to have effective and timely adult passage. NOAA believes the information (DART and FPC tools, hourly passage) supports that the performance spill hours are important for adult migration at Lower Granite, Lower Monumental, and Little Goose dams; they are not willing to remove those and take the hit to adults that would likely occur, they are tasked with protecting the species. o OR = Support. Oregon supports the SOR because it benefits fish passage in the Snake River. The SOR was meant to balance the risk better than current operations. o WA = Support. Washington agreed that the SOR is a balanced action to provide protection for listed Snake River Chinook. The data available do not consistently show that there is better adult passage past Lower Granite; while there are some delays, the science available doesn’t show a significant impact. High flows do slow passage. WA strongly supports the evidence to support this SOR. o Corps = Object. The Corps believes the benefits of performance standard spill (as included in the Stay Agreement) are an essential part of operations to facilitate adult passage. Regarding adaptive management, the Corps works within the boundaries of current litigation and agreements. Formally changing spill operations may be better suited for long-term conversations about future operations. o ID = Support. Idaho was disappointed in the Federal Agencies’ decision; a closer look at the data and focus on adult passage could be misguided and isn’t supported by the data, at least at Lower Granite. The SOR was designed to provide the best passage conditions under the unfortunate scenario of GBT criteria exceedance. The reasons for not changing operations have differed between the 2 recent exceedances, the Federal rationale seems to have shifted and doesn’t seem to align with the data available. The SOR provides the best balancing act. o NPT = Support. Nez Perce Tribe highlighted the challenge in finding the balance points with the different impacts the hydro-system has on fish; the complexity is finding the point of acceptable impact. The Tribe appreciates the perspectives of individuals prioritizing different life stages. The SOR represents the Tribe’s interpretation and assessment of how to make a bad situation the best possible for fish. The recommendations were put into 2 parts, they wondered if the parts can be considered separately? o BPA = Object. The AAs are still operating Lower Granite per the FOP, as it was unaffected by the adjustment required due to GBT incidence. They are implementing per the state WQS and monitoring plan, and there is no new information that would have them deviate from what was agreed to in the Stay Agreement. Performance standard blocks are effective at minimizing adult delay. Regarding the power pillar analysis provided by Hesse, BPA did not feel that it was relevant per the Stay Agreement and was not sure what assumptions were used by the Nez Perce Tribe to assess impacts. BPA maintains that the performance blocks are important to the spill operations for adult fish passage. o The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, Montana, Reclamation, Spokane Tribe of Indians, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, USFWS, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs were not present to register a polling response. AAs clarified that after careful consideration, neither of the recommendations in the SOR will be implemented, as they believe that performance standard spill operations are an important component of passage and the Stay Agreement. The Corps had significant reservations in changing operations that could significantly increase TDG upstream at Lower Granite that would transfer to downstream projects. Charles Morrill, WDFW, noted his disappointed that the Stay Agreement takes precedence over the SOR request for adaptive management to improve passage conditions for juveniles. Action Agency Decision The Corps will not implement the SOR and will continue reduced gas cap spill at Little Goose, Lower Monumental and Ice Harbor dams, and performance standard block operations at Little Goose and Lower Monumental, in response to the GBT exceedance. This will continue until there is a clean GBT sample and projects are able to revert back to the FOP operations. These operations were distributed to the TMT in a detailed email on May 31. Idaho did not elevate the issue to RIOG due to the time it would take to do so. They emphasized the need for this to be a longer-term discussion. Idaho objected to the AAs continuing on with operations under this reduced spill period as they have been doing. They noted that the Federal rationale provided is contrary to the purpose of what TMT is here to do. Questions and Comments from Members of the Public Tom Iverson, Yakama Nation, asked if AAs have explored revisiting the monitoring plan to expand sampling geographically below each of the reaches? Dan noted that the Corps has been in conversation with WDOE in regards to revisions to the monitoring plan. Paula Calvert, BPA responded that BPA has not yet explored expanding sampling at Snake River projects, internally or with WDOE. This will be discussed in meetings leading up to next year’s monitoring plan. |
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| 4. AA Decision |
June 2, 2023, TMT Meeting. The Corps will not implement the SOR and will continue reduced gas cap spill at Little Goose, Lower Monumental and Ice Harbor dams, and performance standard block operations at Little Goose and Lower Monumental, in response to the GBT exceedance. This will continue until there is a clean GBT sample and projects are able to revert back to the FOP operations. These operations were distributed to the TMT in a detailed email on May 31. |
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| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation |
June 2, 2023, TMT Meeting. The Corps will not implement the SOR and will continue reduced gas cap spill at Little Goose, Lower Monumental and Ice Harbor dams, and performance standard block operations at Little Goose and Lower Monumental, in response to the GBT exceedance. This will continue until there is a clean GBT sample and projects are able to revert back to the FOP operations. These operations were distributed to the TMT in a detailed email on May 31. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2023-C1 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR Request |
The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC), on behalf of its member tribes, the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, requests the following (Zone 6) reservoir operations (BON to MCN dams) during the summer 2023 treaty fishery. This effort supports the 2023 ceremonial, subsistence, and commercial treaty fishery times as set by the tribes and the Columbia River Compact (see additional attachment). SPECIFICATIONS: Implement the following pool operations, as follows: During the period spill is reduced due to the non-salmonid Gas Bubble Trauma (GBT) criterion exceedance below Ice Harbor under Washington Department of Ecology’s (WDOE) water quality waiver we request that: Monday, June 19, 2023, 6 am, through Wednesday, June 21, 2023, 6 pm Monday, June 26, 2023, 6 am, through Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 6 pm Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5-foot band during the treaty fishing period. The Dalles: Operate the pool within a 1.5-foot band during the treaty fishing period. John Day: Operate the pool within a 2-foot band during the treaty fishing period. CRITFC will notify the Corps with specific times for the tribal fishery after a Compact hearing. JUSTIFICATION: The 2023 summer treaty fishing season is of critical importance to CRITFC’s member tribes. The run sizes (Columbia River at BON) of an estimated 79,400 adult summer Upper Columbia chinook (above average) and 233,500 sockeye (below average) will create harvest opportunities for tribal fishers who will exercise their treaty rights by participating in this harvest using platform and gillnet fishing methods. This harvest will provide for the cultural, religious, and economic needs of the treaty tribes. CRITFC will sponsor net flights each week to count the set-nets in each Zone 6 pool. The survey data will be shared with COE-RCC staff within 1-7 days of the flight day. Achieving good river conditions through managed river operations during the treaty fishery has been the basis of past litigation that have been supported by federal courts and are consistent with the trust and fiduciary responsibilities that the federal operators have with respect to CRITFC’s member tribes. In past meetings with Corps officials, tribal fishers have explained that a pool fluctuation of more than 1.5 feet disrupts fishery operations. Specific problems include: (1) increased local currents that sweep debris into fishing nets, (2) rapid water level drops lead to entanglement of nets or change local currents that affect fishing success, (3) boat access problems, and (4) nets and gear are costly to replace and may become lost or torn from their anchors if pools are raised after nets are set. Delays or disruptions to tribal fishing operations caused by the excessive pool fluctuations in Zone 6 can negatively impact tribal incomes, food resources, and cultural practices. For many tribal fishers, much of their annual income and food is generated during the brief treaty fishing season. The fishers have expressed to Corps officials that the loss of fishing opportunity during the extremely limited treaty fishery period cannot be replaced. If this SOR cannot be accommodated, CRITFC requests a verbal response with an explanation from the federal operators by COB, Friday June 9, 2023. Thank you for considering this request. Please contact Kyle Dittmer or Stuart Ellis should you have any questions at (503) 238-0667. |
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| 2. Requester(s) | CRITFC | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
June 14, 2023, TMT Meeting. CRITFC presented SOR 2023-C1 (posted on the TMT website) for the summer 2023 tribal treaty fishing season. The request on behalf of the CRITFC Tribes is to operate Bonneville and the Dalles pools within a 1.5-foot band and the John Day pool within a 2-foot band from June 19 at 0600 hours to June 21 at 1800 hours, and June 26 at 0600 hours to June 28 at 1800 hours for summer fishery. The Corps noted that the SOR will be implemented as requested. |
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| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation |
June 14, 2023, TMT Meeting. The Corps noted that the SOR will be implemented as requested. Specific hourly data regarding these operations may be found on the following website. https://pweb.crohms.org/report/projdata.htm |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
DSOR Top of Page
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| 1. SOR Request |
Dear Columbia River Technical Management Team:
Regarding the drought conditions in the Flathead Valley and low water levels in Flathead Lake, I asked officials with the U.S. Department of the Interior on July 6 to provide specific data and information to guide a potential request for a release from the Hungry Horse Project (Hungry Horse). I have yet to receive a formal response, only partial, incomplete information. On July 11, I urged the Columbia River Technical Management Team (TMT) to act, writing "any and all solutions must be fully discussed at the upcoming meeting of the Technical Management Team," and made three specific requests to the TMT. No meaningful action was taken at yesterday's TMT meeting. Pursuant to TMT guidelines, TMT members and non-TMT members may provide recommendations to the TMT in the form of System Operational Requests (SOR) to deviate from or refine planned, existing, or BiOp recommended operations. Therefore, as a non-TMT member, I submit this letter as my SOR for the TMT to use all available data and criteria to consider releases from the Hungry Horse into Flathead Lake in an amount practical and compliant with state and federal law and regulations. Given time remains of the essence, I urge you to act without delay. Sincerely, Greg Gianforte Governor |
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| 2. Requester(s) | State of Montana, Greg Gianforte, Governor | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
July 14, 2023, TMT Meeting. Energy and Natural Resources Policy Advisor for the State of Montana Governor’s Office, reviewed an SOR on behalf of Montana Governor, requesting that the TMT use all available data and criteria to consider releases from Hungry Horse Dam (HH) into Flathead Lake in an amount practical and compliant with state and federal law and regulations. He acknowledged that SORs presented to the TMT typically have more technical analysis and specifics, but given the time constraints and that some of their requested technical information is still forthcoming, the Governor’s Office wanted to submit a formal request on record to ensure a discussion on the technical aspects of these operations and explore any feasible and permissible options for HH releases. Reclamation provided information to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MFWP) and the Montana Governor’s Office on July 7 in response to their request, including complete information on releases from HH to improve elevations in Flathead Lake and proposed timing. In response to the SOR request, Reclamation has been coordinating with MFWP to develop a possible operation to adaptively manage within drought conditions and BiOp limitations. He oriented meeting participants to the Flathead River drainage, noting that HH controls about 1/3 of the basin’s flow. Reclamation presented the coordinated 2023 HH operations (posted to the TMT website). On June 28, TMT coordinated to keep HH releases at 2,000 cfs, rather than reducing to target 12-feet from full pool (3,560 feet) on September 30. The operation minimizes flow fluctuations (benefitting the Southfork). Given the dry conditions this year, it is likely that the dam will soon be operating to the Columbia Falls minimum of 3,500 cfs, which is anticipated to take the HH pool 1-2 feet lower than the September 30 target. To model potential reservoir operation scenarios, Reclamation used 2015 hydrology. They considered the 10-day river forecasts as a good representation of the current dry conditions, and the Climate Prediction Center’s July through September outlook, which shows above average temperatures and dry conditions. Given that the current water supply forecast is 88% of average, extremely dry conditions are predicted for the rest of summer and fall, the risks to refill, and the requirements to maintain compliance with the BiOps and Record of Decision (ROD), options for releasing more water out of HH are very limited. In response to the SOR, Reclamation offered an alternative operation to increase HH releases to target being within 1.5 feet of full pool (2,893 feet) at Flathead Lake on July 31. This operation would include potential releases of up to 4,000 cfs until the end of July, then decrease back to the previously coordinated 2,000 cfs or operate to Columbia Falls minimums. However, if the lake reached 1.5 feet from full or forecasts showed that HH would draft below 20-feet from full, releases would need to decrease prior to July 31. To achieve this operation and stay within the 20-foot draft target, Columbia Falls minimums would need to decrease from 3,500 cfs to 3,200 cfs (August 1 to December 31). The operation would also result in a higher flat flow from Se?liš Ksanka Qlispe? Dam (SKQ) through the rest of the summer. Reclamation emphasized that this proposed operation is the most that could be done considering the BiOps and ROD. Questions and Comments from TMT Members • USFWS, noted that the proposed operation seems to be within the bounds of the BiOp, but had concerns with the potential impacts to bull trout. There are a lot of unknowns and the water supply forecast could change. • MFWP and Montana TMT Representative, noted that Columbia Falls minimum flow was established in the Flathead River based on an instream flow incremental methodology study. Minimum flow in the Southfork below HH was based on the wetted perimeter method. The sliding scale (3,500-3,200 cfs) in the minimum flow is to be consistent with minimum flows downstream of the lake. Dropping the minimum flow would have a biological impact to the amount of available habitat in the river for bull trout. • MFWP and Montana TMT Alternate, emphasized that this is most extreme support that HH could provide to Flathead Lake elevations, and that eventually the water must go downstream for flow augmentation. Coordination with Energy Keepers (SKQ operators), and confirmation of September flows seems necessary to ensure the operational goals are met. • Kelsey Swieca, NOAA, asked how flow augmentation accounting would occur under the proposed operation? o This would probably depend on September operations at SKQ. Travis Togo, Energy Keepers/SKQ, noted that the intent and BiOp obligation is to pass flow augmentation water downstream through SKQ; augmentation flows are complete by the end of September. o There was recognition that releases from HH would pass through the system and likely not provide a significant increase in Flathead Lake elevations due to SKQ BiOp requirements. • There is serious risk associated with drafting HH an additional 8 feet: potentially impacting 2024 flow augmentation and refill. Responses from State of Montana Representatives Regarding the Proposed Operation • The Governor’s Office is seeking assurances that the water would actually address the water elevation concerns in Flathead Lake. • Randy Brodehl, Flathead County Commissioner, noted that management decisions made in May and June are being addressed now. From his perspective, there was little or no notice provided to irrigators and businesses regarding the significant drop in lake levels. Impacts to the local economy and agricultural community in the breadbasket of Montana must be considered. Nobody understood what the impact of the spring conditions would be, and next year’s conditions are unknown. There is a need today to address and react. Commissioner Brodehl added that a minimum of 14 inches is needed (12 inches ideal) to get businesses back open and agricultural producers producing. Targeting 1.5 feet from full pool (the potential operation) does not address the concerns or meet the needs expressed by representatives from the State of Montana. • Gale Decker, Lake County Commissioner, noted that the potential operation of 1.5 feet below full pool does not really help. People are used to dealing with a maximum of 14 inches below full pool, and current conditions at 2 feet below full are nothing like what has happened before. Local businesses and recreation are at a standstill, and locals are voicing frustration with the damage to the economy. A solution is needed to reach mid-September and then deal with the ramifications later. Through continued deliberation among TMT Members, questions arose regarding the actual feasibility of the operation (if releases could be held or would need to pass through) and if it would result in negative impacts while not providing the necessary relief to the Flathead Lake communities. SKQ must operate within the bounds of their FERC license; they have an obligation to move flow augmentation water through by the end of September, and the project would be operated to meet ecological and economic needs. The proposed operation would result in a higher flat flow on the river in order to avoid creating unnatural peaks in flow and negatively impacting the biological systems. Brian noted that HH operations have historically avoided fluctuations in the river (avoiding double peaks), and that the proposed operation would do just that; there is a huge impact that has not been fully vetted. Additionally, MFWP has not yet been included in the conversation with representatives from Montana regarding their request for release increases. As the submitted SOR was limited in specificity and details, the TMT concluded that they had fulfilled its request to “use all available data and criteria to consider releases” from HH into Flathead Lake. TMT Members were polled on Reclamation’s potential alternative operation as written in response to the SOR. Some provided additional rationale for their responses: o NOAA = Abstain. NOAA considers flow augmentation, as described in the CRS Proposed Action and NOAA BiOp, to be one of the most critical resource management tools for the protection and enhancement of trust species. Flow augmentation water contributes to the measurable improvements in fish travel time, which data show improves increased survival and increased returns. Procuring flow augmentation water typically involves protecting the probability of storage refill. The proposed operation is technically within the bounds of the BiOp but does increase risk of the probability of refill heading into 2024 into an El Niño year, and NOAA is unsure that the proposal will achieve the desired outcome for Montana. NOAA is sympathetic towards the State of Montana’s recreational and economic concerns at Flathead Lake and looks forward to working with the state to find an equitable solution to help preserve recreational resources while ensuring the protection of ESA listed salmon and steelhead. o Oregon = Object. Oregon appreciates the efforts from Reclamation and others to bring forward an alternative operation. Montana did not include considerations that TMT had previously asked for in an SOR, which veers from TMT process. Even the representatives from MFWP were not provided adequate opportunity to inform the conversation. OR acknowledges the history of managing this system over past decades, noting that not all decisions have always been supported, and this proposed operation does not provide an assurance of benefit for the request and is likely to have ramifications long after this water year. o Washington = Object. Washington fully agreed with NOAA’s statement, and although WA is not engaged in conversations with the State of Montana, they remain sympathetic to their concerns. o Kootenai Tribe of Idaho = Object. Kootenai Tribe objected due to too many uncertainties with the proposed operation, too much potential for biological harm, and the suggested operation may not meet the needs identified in the SOR and resulting discussion. o Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation = Object. It’s unclear if this operation would actually meet the expressed needs. From the Tribe’s perspective, they can’t support an operation that doesn’t meet the needs requested while resulting in a negative biological impact. o Reclamation = No Objection. Reclamation recognized the impacts and sympathizes with the recreation and agricultural communities at Flathead Lake. This has been a hard year for forecasting and May/June operations. They did not object because there is a potential operation that can be implemented within the BiOp, but Reclamation does have concerns on the biological impacts to the South Fork of the Flathead, the lower Flathead River, and down through the Columbia River system. Additionally, the potential for refill next year remains a concern given that it is an El Niño year; heading into a long hot dry summer there are serious risk and concerns with an operation to potentially draft HH lower. Reclamation appreciated everyone’s participation, time, and consideration of the proposal. o Corps = No Objection. The Corps deferred to Reclamation as the lead Action Agency for this request. The Corps was concerned that there may be biological impacts, a lack of regional support, and the proposal does not seem to provide the benefits requested. o USFWS = Abstain. USFWS had serious concerns about the alternative proposal, and although they were initially prepared to not object, they have since understood through the prior discussion that the proposed releases will likely pass through Flathead Lake and will not achieve the desired effect of raising the lake elevation as requested. o Idaho = Object. Idaho noted that having an action that doesn’t achieve the desired goals, and results in potential negative biological impacts, is not something they can support. Idaho hoped lessons can be learned from this experience and that the State of Montana crafts an implementable “dry year” plan for when outflows exceed inflows. There are many legal issues and restrictions when seeking to alter storage project operations on the Columbia River Basin. o Montana = Object. Montana was concerned that the proposed operation does not have solid guarantees that it will provide the requested relief for Flathead Lake; there is not enough water to release within the BiOp constraints. They appreciated Reclamation’s efforts to come up with an alternative action. o Nez Perce Tribe = Object. The Nez Perce Tribe appreciated the efforts that went into establishing criteria that support resident fish and downstream migration conditions (base operation). The coordination effort over the last several decades is robust. The requested action does not achieve the intended outcomes and has potential impact to both downstream anadromous and resident fish. o BPA = No Objection. BPA was concerned with the potential impacts of the proposed alternative operation, and that it wouldn’t necessarily resolve the issues that the State of Montana brought forward regarding the elevation at Flathead Lake. o The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Spokane Tribe of Indians, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs were not present to register a polling response. o Action Agency Decision o Reclamation reiterated Reclamation’s sympathies with the hardships of those in the State of Montana. Given what was heard about the potential biological impacts and the risk to refill next year, Reclamation will not implement the potential operation discussed. Operations at HH will continue to hold outflows at 2,000 cfs until Columbia Falls minimums take over in August, and will continue through September. o DS Consulting invited representatives from the State of Montana to join the TMT’s Year End Review (YER) in December as an opportunity to participate in retrospective conversation. Details will be posted on the TMT calendar closer to the date. Questions and Comments from Members of the Public – Commissioner Brodehl appreciated the robust discussion and engagement, noting that the State of Montana’s request was short on time, and they will do their best to be more prepared if the situation ever requires again. He thanked the TMT for working with the representatives from the State. |
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| 4. AA Decision |
July 14, 2023, TMT Meeting. o Reclamation reiterated Reclamation’s sympathies with the hardships of those in the State of Montana. Given what was heard about the potential biological impacts and the risk to refill next year, Reclamation will not implement the potential operation discussed. Operations at HH will continue to hold outflows at 2,000 cfs until Columbia Falls minimums take over in August, and will continue through September. |
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| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation |
July 14, 2023, TMT Meeting. o Reclamation reiterated Reclamation’s sympathies with the hardships of those in the State of Montana. Given what was heard about the potential biological impacts and the risk to refill next year, Reclamation will not implement the potential operation discussed. Operations at HH will continue to hold outflows at 2,000 cfs until Columbia Falls minimums take over in August, and will continue through September. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
D2023-05 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR Request |
SPECIFICATIONS: If needed to achieve the Dworshak Reservoir elevation threshold of 1535 ft on 31 August, relax the temperature criteria from 68°F to 69°F maximum in the Lower Granite tailrace, with the intent not to exceed 69.5°F. The increased temperature threshold could occur between 06-14 August 2023. JUSTIFICATION: Dworshak reservoir filled by the beginning of July 2023, but low summer inflow to the reservoir and consistent high air temperatures have reduced flexibility to react to extended heat waves while drafting to currently agreed to Dworshak Reservoir elevation threshold of 1535 ft by 31 August. Current projections suggest the remaining summer flow augmentation volume is sufficient to maintain the Lower Granite Dam tailrace at or below 68°F if there are no additional extended heat waves requiring flows above powerhouse capacity from Dworshak Dam (Walker 2023). Unfortunately, the 30 day forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center suggests that higher than average temperatures are probable (Figure 1). Depleting the flow augmentation volume from Dworshak Reservoir before 31 August threatens steelhead and fall Chinook passage in the Lower Snake River and above Lower Granite Dam, Snake River fall Chinook salmon hatchery broodstock collection at the Lower Granite Adult Trap, and Nez Perce Tribal Hatchery (NPTH) operations during late August. Fall Chinook salmon broodstock collection typically begins 17 August and requires temperatures at the Lower Granite Dam adult fish trap to be below 70°F and ideally below 68°F. The potential to ramp down to minimum discharge from Dworshak Dam during the last week of August threatens trapping operations at the Lower Granite Dam Adult Fish Facility due to fish health related temperature restrictions while causing undue stress on trapped fish. More importantly, reduced flow from the North Fork Clearwater River reduces the extent of cold water refuge immediately above Lower Granite Dam. Any additional days gained through Dworshak Reservoir water conservation for release during the end of August will benefit steelhead passage, fall Chinook passage, fall Chinook hatchery broodstock collection efforts, and ensure lower Clearwater River temperatures are at or below 66? needed for NPTH operations and provide cold water refuge. Allowing the temperature of the Lower Granite Dam tailrace to reach 69°F, but not exceed 69.5°F for 6 days may extend summer flow augmentation from Dworshak Dam from 28 August to 31 August (Walker 2023) and not force early depletion of water managed under the Nez Perce Agreement. If there is a gap between summer flow augmentation and Nez Perce Agreement water volume, the Lower Granite tailwater temperatures may reach 71-74?, which can be lethal for migrating salmonids that have already accumulated significant thermal stress lower in the Columbia and Snake Rivers. We acknowledge that temporarily increasing the temperature creates a more stressful environment for adult sockeye salmon, adult summer steelhead, and juvenile and adult fall Chinook salmon migrating during the specified period. Yet, the proportion of each species migrating from 06 -15 August is low relative to the proportion of runs migrating from 28 August – 01 September (Figure 2). Furthermore and unfortunately, the last quartile of the Snake River sockeye arriving at Lower Granite Dam experiences much lower survival from Lower Granite Dam to their natal area in a typical year than earlier migrants (Johnson et al. 2019, 2020, 2021; Crozier et al 2020) due to thermal stress accumulated between Bonneville Dam and Lower Granite Dam as well as high water temperatures in the Snake River and lower Salmon River in August. As such, increasing the temperature target for the Lower Granite Dam tailrace in the beginning of August is unlikely to impact the Snake River sockeye salmon population as a whole. |
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| 2. Requester(s) | Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Nez Perce Tribe, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission/Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
August 2, TMT Meeting. IDFG, presented SOR 2023-5, which requests a temporary change to Lower Granite Dam tailrace water temperature criteria to provide Dworshak summer flow augmentation through August 31. Specifically, to achieve the Dworshak reservoir elevation threshold of 1,535 feet on August 31 by relaxing the Lower Granite temperature criteria from 68 degrees F to a maximum of 69 degrees F (intent not to exceed 69.5 degrees F), between August 6–14th. The Corps clarified that if the SOR is implemented, Dworshak will start decreasing flows today to target the requested date of August 6 when there are cooler temperatures and lasting cloud cover. If conditions allow, the Corps can work to cool things down before the August 14 requested end date. TMT Members in attendance were polled on SOR 2023-5 as written. Some provided additional rationale for their responses: o NOAA = Support. NOAA is generally supportive of the SOR for 2023, although they do have concerns on the impact to ESA listed sockeye and spring/summer Chinook. From NOAA’s perspective, most sockeye tend to not make it after August, but spring/summer Chinook could experience impacts. They support this SOR and will continue to evaluate the impacts, how the reservoir is managed afterwards, and work on solutions for the future. Depending on outcomes, NOAA may not support similar operations in the future. o Oregon = Absent. OR was absent from the polling; OR is a signatory on the SOR. o Washington = Support. WA appreciated the discussion, regional support, and coordination on this issue, noting that they share NOAA’s concerns and believe this is a prudent action to take at this time. o Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation = Support. CTCR noted discomfort in relaxing water temperature criteria that is already high, but there are critical implementation actions at the end of August that would be otherwise debilitated. The tradeoff impacts are unfortunate. o Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation = Absent. CTUIR was absent from the polling, CTUIR is a signatory on the SOR. o Reclamation = Support. No additional comments. o Corps = Support. The Corps thanked the TMT representatives from IDFG and CTUIR in coordinating this effort with FPAC and the Corps. With historically low inflows to Dworshak this is a wise use of conserving cool water. o USFWS = Support. USFWS noted this is a typical tradeoff decision, and from the Agency’s perspective, this is a refinement of the 2021 operation that will require evaluation and adjustments in the future. o Idaho = Support. No additional comments. o Montana Support No additional comments. o Nez Perce Tribe = Support. NPT shared sentiments with other Salmon Managers. From their perspective, this is not the preferred operation but with the potential for greater impact later on, it is a necessary step. o BPA = Support. No additional comments. o Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, Spokane Tribe of Indians, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs were not present to register a polling response, nor were listed as signatories on the SOR. The Corps reported that the Corps will begin implementing the operation at 12pm today (August 2) reducing outflow by 2,000 cfs through the rest of the day and an additional 2,000 cfs tomorrow, ending up with 6,000 cfs releases from Dworshak that will allow temperatures in the Lower Granite tailrace to rise closer to the 69 degrees F target. The Corps will continuously evaluate real-time basin conditions and updated forecasts to determine when Dworshak can end lower flows in order to either start bringing things down or, if enough water is saved, to get through the end of August. The Corps appreciated the coordination and engagement within the TMT. The Corps will report back on the operation at the next TMT meeting |
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| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation |
August 2, TMT Meeting. The Corps reported that the Corps will begin implementing the operation at 12pm today (August 2) reducing outflow by 2,000 cfs through the rest of the day and an additional 2,000 cfs tomorrow, ending up with 6,000 cfs releases from Dworshak that will allow temperatures in the Lower Granite tailrace to rise closer to the 69 degrees F target. The Corps will continuously evaluate real-time basin conditions and updated forecasts to determine when Dworshak can end lower flows in order to either start bringing things down or, if enough water is saved, to get through the end of August. The Corps appreciated the coordination and engagement within the TMT. The Corps will report back on the operation at the next TMT meeting. |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||