Three experimental high-flow releases from Glen Canyon Dam, Arizona— Effects on the downstream Colorado River ecosystem

Theodore S. Melis; Paul E. Grams; Theodore A. Kennedy; Barbara E. Ralston; Christopher T. Robinson; John C. Schmidt; Lara M. Schmit; Richard A. Valdez; Scott Wright

doi:10.3133/fs20113012

Three experimental high-flow releases from Glen Canyon Dam, Arizona— Effects on the downstream Colorado River ecosystem

Fact Sheet 2011-3012

Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center

By: Theodore S. Melis, Paul E. Grams, Theodore A. Kennedy, Barbara E. Ralston, Christopher T. Robinson, John C. Schmidt, Lara M. Schmit, Richard A. Valdez, and Scott Wright

https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20113012

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Abstract

Three high-flow experiments (HFEs) were conducted by the U.S. Department of the Interior at Glen Canyon Dam, Arizona, in March 1996, November 2004, and March 2008. Also known as artificial or controlled floods, these scheduled releases of water above the dam's powerplant capacity were designed to mimic pre-dam seasonal flooding on the Colorado River. The goal of the HFEs was to determine whether high flows could be used to benefit important downstream resources in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Grand Canyon National Park that have been affected by the existence and operation of Glen Canyon Dam. These downstream resources include native fish, particularly endangered humpback chub (Gila cypha), terrestrial and aquatic sandbar habitats, cultural sites, and recreational resources. This Fact Sheet summarizes HFE-related studies published since 1996 and outlines a possible strategy for implementing future HFEs.

Suggested Citation

Melis, T., Grams, P.E., Kennedy, T., Ralston, B., Robinson, C.T., Schmidt, J.C., Schmit, L.M., Valdez, R., Wright, S., 2011, Three experimental high-flow releases from Glen Canyon Dam, Arizona— Effects on the downstream Colorado River ecosystem: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2011-3012, 4 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20113012.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

ISSN: 2327-6916 (print)

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Additional publication details
Publication type	Report
Publication Subtype	USGS Numbered Series
Title	Three experimental high-flow releases from Glen Canyon Dam, Arizona— Effects on the downstream Colorado River ecosystem
Series title	Fact Sheet
Series number	2011-3012
DOI	10.3133/fs20113012
Year Published	2011
Language	English
Publisher	U.S. Geological Survey
Contributing office(s)	Southwest Biological Science Center
Description	4 p.
Country	United States
State	Arizona
Other Geospatial	Colorado River, Glen Canyon Dam
Online Only (Y/N)	N
Additional Online Files (Y/N)	N