Modeling Functional Flows in California’s Rivers

Frontiers in Environmental Science (Frontiers) | March 11th, 2022

Mono Basin Runoff Year 2024-25 Annual Operations Plan

Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) | May 20th, 2024

The purpose of the AOP is to describe how operations will commence for the current year-type to accomplish exports and stream releases in accordance with the Li

The purpose of the AOP is to describe how operations will commence for the current year-type to accomplish exports and stream releases in accordance with the Licenses. The AOP will provide specific information about the flow schedule, export, and facility operations for the year ahead. The AOP will also review the prior year’s plan and compare it to actual runoff and operations.

Mono Basin Runoff Year 2025-26 Annual Operations Plan

Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) | May 16th, 2025

The purpose of the AOP is to describe how operations will commence for the current year-type to accomplish exports and stream releases in accordance with the Licenses. Th

The purpose of the AOP is to describe how operations will commence for the current year-type to accomplish exports and stream releases in accordance with the Licenses. The AOP provides specific information about the flow schedule, export, and facility operations for the year ahead. The AOP also evaluates the prior year’s plan and compares it to actual runoff and operations.

Moving Forward Effort: Phase 1 Report

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) | May 1st, 2015

In 2012, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), in partnership with the seven Colorado River Basin States (Basin States) and in collaboration with a wide spectrum of

In 2012, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), in partnership with the seven Colorado River Basin States (Basin States) and in collaboration with a wide spectrum of Colorado River Basin (Basin) stakeholders, published the most comprehensive study of future Basin supply and demand ever undertaken. The Colorado River Basin Water Supply and Demand Study (Basin Study) confirmed that, in the absence of timely action, there are likely to be significant shortfalls between projected water supplies and demands in coming decades. The Basin Study also confirmed that a wide range of solutions are needed to mitigate and adapt to such shortfalls, which are likely to affect each sector (agricultural, municipal, energy, and environmental, for example) dependent on the Colorado River and its tributaries. In response to the findings of the Basin Study, in May 2013, Reclamation and the Basin States, in collaboration with the Ten Tribes Partnership and conservation organizations, initiated the Moving Forward effort to build on future considerations and next steps identified in the Basin Study. The Moving Forward effort builds upon and enhances the broad, inclusive stakeholder process demonstrated in the Basin Study with an ultimate goal of identifying actionable steps to address projected water supply and demand imbalances that have broad-based support and provide a wide-range of benefits. The Moving Forward effort is being conducted in a phased approach. Phase 1, which was funded by Reclamation and the Basin States, began with the formation of a Coordination Team and three multi-stakeholder workgroups that focus on water conservation, reuse, and environmental and recreational flows. The Phase 1 Report documents the activities and outcomes of the workgroups during this phase. Commenting on the information provided in the Phase 1 Report is encouraged. Written comments should be submitted within 90 days following the release of this report. The comments will be summarized and posted to the Moving Forward website and will be considered in future Moving Forward phases. Instructions for submitting comments are provided at [this link].

Natural Resources Defense Council v. Kempthorne, Order Granting in Part and Denying in Part Plaintiffs’ Motion for Summary Judgment

United States District Court, Eastern District of California | May 7th, 2007

This case concerns the effect on a threatened species of fish, the Delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) , of the coordinated operation of the federally managed Central

This case concerns the effect on a threatened species of fish, the Delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) , of the coordinated operation of the federally managed Central Valley Project ("CVP") and the State of California's State Water Project *2 ("SWP"), among the world's largest water diversion projects. Both projects divert large volumes of water from the California Bay (Sacramento - San Joaquin) Delta ("Delta") and use the Delta to store water.

Near-term Colorado River Operations Revised Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) | October 26th, 2023

Reclamation is proposing to revise the 2007 Interim Guidelines for the operation of Glen Canyon and Hoover Dams beginning in the 2024 operating year to address the potent

Reclamation is proposing to revise the 2007 Interim Guidelines for the operation of Glen Canyon and Hoover Dams beginning in the 2024 operating year to address the potential for continued low-runoff conditions in the Colorado River Basin. The potential impacts of low runoff conditions in the remainder of the interim period (prior to January 1, 2027) pose unacceptable risks to routine operations of Glen Canyon and Hoover Dams; therefore, modified operating guidelines should be expeditiously developed. Due to size, this file has been divided. Part one, Part two.

Old and Middle River Flow Review: USGS Gauge Readings versus Index Calculations for 2011 through 2017

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | November 17th, 2017

This report will demonstrate the strong flow correlation between the United States Geological Survey gages at the Old and Middle Rivers (USGS OMR), and the OMR Index calc

This report will demonstrate the strong flow correlation between the United States Geological Survey gages at the Old and Middle Rivers (USGS OMR), and the OMR Index calculations, which have been used by the State Water Project and the Central Valley Project (the Projects) to operate to, and comply with, Old and Middle River (OMR) flow requirements. The results of the two different methodologies for determining OMR will be compared with daily, 5-day average, and 14-day average values, and will demonstrate a close correlation and tracking between the two methodologies. The time-span will be from December to June of the Water Years 2011 to 2017 and gives a background view and general effectiveness of using the OMR Index. The difference between the methodologies is that the USGS OMR values are based on tidally filtered hourly flow values of Old and Middle Rivers near Bacon Island, whereas the Index methodology uses an empirical equation based on net flows into and out of the Southern Delta. The USGS OMR flow values have been difficult for the Projects to operate to, in large part because the tidally filtering calculation is lagged by three days. What’s more, atmospheric conditions exert an unpredictable influence on OMR values and missing data introduces errors. By contrast, the OMR Index is much easier to work with because the San Joaquin River at Vernalis (VNS) gage used in the OMR Index equation is located upstream of the Delta and is therefore not affected significantly by tidal effects or atmospheric conditions and has only a one-day delay in the OMR Index equation. Using prior day flows from the VNS gage allows the Projects’ operations to be more predictable since current day exports can be closely controlled. Through regression analysis and empirical graphs, this report will show that the OMR Index method produces results that are closely correlated with values from the USGS OMR. And since the Index method can be used to closely approximate the USGS OMR flow values over an averaging period, the Index method is a satisfactory alternative to using the lagged USGS OMR flow data for real-time operations.

Order Approving Temporary Urgency Changes to Water Right License and Permit Terms Relating to Delta Water Quality Objectives

California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) | February 21st, 2023

Overview on Central Valley Project Financing, Cost Allocation, and Repayment Issues

Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force (Delta Vision) | September 18th, 2008

As part of its strategic plan, the Delta Vision Task Force is considering in detail the entire California water infrastructure. This report summarizes and expands upon

As part of its strategic plan, the Delta Vision Task Force is considering in detail the entire California water infrastructure. This report summarizes and expands upon four individual reports prepared for the Task Force on the financial characteristics and status of the Central Valley Project (CVP). It begins with an overview of CVP history, organization, costs, and repayment. It then focuses on the overall repayment responsibilities of irrigation and municipal and industrial (M&I) contractors as well as those responsibilities specifically for Sacramento Valley and San Joaquin Valley water users. Next is a review of the summary financial statements of the 10 largest San Joaquin Valley contractors based on reports filed with the California State Controller. Following is a discussion of CVP power generation revenues, expenditures, and repayment. The report is then summarized and conclusions presented, with subsequent appendices showing detailed financial statements and repayment responsibilities by individual contractors; and information on power sales over time to various users.

Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan

Pacific Fishery Management Council | March 1st, 2016