2008 Forecasted Spill

Dolores River Below McPhee Reservoir (updated 3-31-08)

No change to the seasonal forecast below, though new inflow forecast due later this week.  Releases this week, March 31 through Sunday April 6, 2008 will be approximately 800 cfs.  Still expecting low, 500 cfs, flows for Department of Wildlife fish surveys on April 14 - 18.  Most current flows available at Department of Water Resources site, Dolores gage below McPhee. http://www.dwr.state.co.us

March 1-31 – Releases will approximate natural inflows resulting in releases estimated to average 275 cfs, but no less than 40 cfs.

April 1-30 – Rafting flows of 800-1500 cfs are anticipated throughout the month except that flows will be reduced to 500 cfs from April 14-17 to facilitate fish surveys. 

May 1-31 -  It is anticipated the flows will be ramped up to 1,500 cfs in the first half of May and increased to a peak of 3,000 cfs in the third week of May and down to approximately 2,000 cfs in the last week of May. These peaks could come earlier and be larger depending on weather.  Peak levels could also fluctuate to avoid over-filling the Reservoir.

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 100 cfs 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 to end on approximately June 30th.

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