Skip Links

USGS - science for a changing world

U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2010-3009

Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center

2008 High-Flow Experiment at Glen Canyon Dam Benefits Colorado River Resources in Grand Canyon National Park

By Theodore S. Melis, David J. Topping, Paul E. Grams, David M. Rubin, Scott A. Wright, Amy E. Draut, Joseph E. Hazel, Jr., Barbara E. Ralston, Theodore A. Kennedy, Emma Rosi-Marshall, Josh Korman, Kara D. Hilwig, and Lara M. Schmit

Summary

Thumbnail of and link to report PDF (5.2 MB)

On March 5, 2008, the Department of the Interior began a 60-hour high-flow experiment at Glen Canyon Dam, Arizona, to determine if water releases designed to mimic natural seasonal flooding could be used to improve downstream resources in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Grand Canyon National Park. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists and their cooperators undertook a wide range of physical and biological resource monitoring and research activities before, during, and after the release. Scientists sought to determine whether or not high flows could be used to rebuild Grand Canyon sandbars, create nearshore habitat for the endangered humpback chub, and benefit other resources such as archaeological sites, rainbow trout, aquatic food availability, and riverside vegetation. This fact sheet summarizes research completed by January 2010.

  • This report is also available in print from:

    USGS Information Services, Box 25286,
    Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225
    telephone: 888 ASK-USGS; e-mail: infoservices@usgs.gov

For additional information contact:
SBSC Staff, Southwest Biological Science Center
U.S. Geological Survey
2255 N. Gemini Drive
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
http://sbsc.wr.usgs.gov/

This report is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF); the latest version of Adobe Reader or similar software is required to view it. Download the latest version of Adobe Reader, free of charge.


Suggested citation:

Melis, T.S., Topping, D.J., Grams, P.E., Rubin, D.M., Wright, S.A., Draut, A.E., Hazel, J.E., Jr., Ralston, B.E., Kennedy, T.A., Rosi-Marshall, Emma, Korman, Josh, Hilwig, K.D., and Schmit, Lara M., 2010, 2008 High-flow experiment at Glen Canyon Dam benefits colorado river resources in Grand Canyon National Park: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2010-3009, 4 p.



Contents

Introduction

Background

2008 High-Flow Experiment

Sandbars

Archaeological Sites

Riparian Vegetation

Aquatic Food Web

Rainbow Trout

Conclusion


Accessibility FOIA Privacy Policies and Notices

Take Pride in America logo USA.gov logo U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http:// pubsdata.usgs.gov /pubs/fs/2010/3009/index.html
Page Contact Information: USGS Publications Team
Page Last Modified: Tuesday, 29-Nov-2016 17:37:52 EST