Difference between revisions of "2027-2028 Operating Guidelines"
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| + | ==Lake Powell operations:== | ||
| + | |||
| + | For the August 24-Month study, perform Exhibit Runs using the following potential release volumes [with LTEMP monthly volumes] in descending order to determine an initial Water Year release volume that maintains a minimum Lake Powell elevation of 3510' throughout the WY. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Upper Elevation Range: === | ||
| + | If the October 1 elevation is at or above 3565' start with a release volume of 8.23 maf | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Mid-Elevation Range: === | ||
| + | If between 3540' and 3565' start with release volumes of 8.0 maf, then 7.5 maf, then 7.0 maf the release volume will be the first that maintains 3510' throughout the WY | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Low Elevation Infrastructure Protection Range: === | ||
| + | If below 3540' start with a release volume of 7.0 maf | ||
| + | |||
| + | If the August 24-Month study with a release volume of 7.0 maf shows elevations below 3510' during the WY follow the Determinations Table: | ||
| + | *Release volume will be between 6.0 and 7.0 maf | ||
| + | *Move monthly volumes from October through April to May through September to maintain at least 3510' in March of the current WY | ||
| + | *Run two 24-Month Studies for release volumes of 6.0 maf and 7.0 maf | ||
| + | *In the 6.0 maf run, include supplemental releases from CRSP Upper Initial Units for May of the current year through April of the following year | ||
| + | *Determine March elevation for the 7.0 maf run | ||
| + | |||
| + | If the March elevation is: | ||
| + | * >3510' then the release is 7.0 maf and there are no releases from the CRSP upper units | ||
| + | * <3510' then determine what releases from the CRSP upper units coupled with reductions in Powell releases (down to 6.0 maf) will keep the March elevation above 3510' | ||
| + | |||
| + | From October to April, evaluate monthly projections. | ||
| + | |||
| + | *Adjust release volume down to no less than 6.0 maf to avoid falling below 3510' through March of the following WY | ||
| + | *Adjust release volume up if projected to end the current WY is above 3565' such that half the difference in volume from the projected September 30 Lake Powell storage at elevation 3565' is added to the release. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Extraordinary Circumstances:=== | ||
| + | If Lake Powell is projected to decline below 3500' in March of the following year (see Sec. 5.1.D) | ||
| + | |||
| + | Consult with Basin States | ||
| + | *If the volume needed to protect 3500' in March of the following year is >2.0 maf | ||
| + | *If any Basin State believes there is inequity between volumes available in the CRSP Upper Units and reductions in Powell releases | ||
| + | *If Powell releases <6.0 maf are needed to maintain 3500' in March of the following year | ||
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Revision as of 12:21, 4 September 2026
 The post placed in the 1920s by the USGS at "Lee Ferry" marking the division of the upper and lower basins |
2027-2028 Operating GuidelinesSeveral reservoir and water management decisional documents and agreements that govern the operation of Colorado River facilities and management of the Colorado River are scheduled to expire at the end of 2026. These include the 2007 Colorado River Interim Guidelines for Lower Basin Shortages and Coordinated Operations for Lake Powell and Lake Mead (2007 Interim Guidelines), the 2019 Drought Contingency Plans, as well as international agreements between the United States and Mexico pursuant to the United States-Mexico Treaty on Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande (1944 Water Treaty). The Post-2026 process was a multi-year NEPA process that set out to develop long-term successor operating guidelines for Lake Powell and Lake Mead to replace expiring agreements. The process was formally initiated in June 2023 with the Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Throughout the process, extensive stakeholder engagement occurred, with a particular focus on developing a range of alternatives over a two‑and‑a‑half‑year period. Six alternatives were developed and evaluated to capture a broad range of operational concepts and potential environmental impacts, though consensus on long‑term operations was not reached. After the publication of the Final EIS on July 31, 2026, the process is concluding with issuance of the Record of Decision on August 21, 2026, which adopts the Preferred Alternative’s "Decision Framework." Pursuant to the Record of Decision, the first set of guidelines—the 2027–2028 Operating Guidelines—were also issued.[1] |
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