MCPHEE RESERVOIR WATER
YEAR 2008 OPERATING PLAN
"This data is provisional and subject to change due to Dolores
river inflow, future precipitation, weather patterns, fill and spill criteria,
and user demand."
2008 Forecasted Spill
Dolores River Below McPhee Reservoir (updated Thursday 5-8-08)
Recent weather seems to have kept the McPhee inflows low, especially the Dolores River, leading to slower than anticipated reservoir filling. Larger releases will not be forthcoming next week, but probably closer to Memorial Day, so stay tuned. Releases below McPhee for this weekend, Saturday May 10 to Sunday May 11 will run approximately 1400 cfs, through Sunday evening, rising from the current 1000cfs during Friday. Next week will run between 1000 -1400 cfs probably running into the weekend. Memorial Day forecast coming soon. Flows expected to remain above 800 cfs through May, but timing will change with weather and inflow. The month of May historically gives the highest inflows to McPhee and should be reflected in the releases so stay tuned for current updates every Monday & Thursday. The May forecast below remains the best estimate, but timing may vary. The most current flows are available at Division of Water Resources site, Dolores gage below McPhee. http://www.dwr.state.co.us. See more rafting detailed recommendations from our local Public Lands office at http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/sjplc/recreation/sjdolores.html.
May 1-31 - It is anticipated the flows will range between 800cfs and 2,000cfs in the first half of May and may increase to a peak of 3,000-4000cfs briefly in late May. An attempt will be made to keep flows in the 1,200-2,000 cfs range over Memorial Day. Flows could remain as high as 2,000-3,000cfs in the last week of May. These peaks could vary in timing, duration and size depending on the weather.
June 1-30 – As the time approaches where irrigation and municipal demand are equal to or exceed inflow to the Reservoir, the spill will be brought to a close. The goal is to ramp down flows at an average rate of about 100cfs per day, but the tail end of the spill is difficult to manage and may require more abrupt down-ramping, so please plan accordingly. The spill is scheduled into the month of June, but may end anytime after Memorial Day. Rafting flows may not be available consistently through June, earlier is better.
NOTE: Release estimates are approximate and updates will be made available based on emerging weather conditions, in-flow rates and reservoir levels. Future weekly updates will be available at this site.
For additional information about rafting on the Dolores River call the Dolores District, San Juan Public lands at 882-7296 or 882-7297