June 19, 2013: Taylor, Black Canyon and Gunnison Gorge Flow Updates

The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) recently circulated updated information on dam releases that will affect regional whitewater runs, paddling opportunities and environmental flows.

On Thursday, June 20^th, releases from Crystal Dam will increase by 200 cfs. This will bring flows in the Black Canyon and Gunnison Gorge to 500 cfs. BOR anticipates that ‘an additional increase will likely take place next Wednesday the 26^th’. Paddlers should also be aware that the Black Canyon Water Right one day peak flow target for 2013 is 685 cfs. Reclamation is not currently certain of when the one day peak will occur but anticipates that it will be mid next week (week of June 23), likely on Wednesday.

On Friday, June 21, the BOR plans to increase flows out of Taylor Park Reservoir from 200 cfs to 250 cfs. The current plan is to maintain the 250 cfs release through the first half of August, reduce releases to 225 cfs through the end of August and then release almost 200 cfs through September.

American Whitewater is working hard to define and defend recreational flows on rivers and streams throughout the Gunnison Basin. Please help us achieve this by taking the Gunnison River Flow Survey. Everyone who completes the survey will be entered in a drawing to win a free pair of KEEN shoes of their choice!

Thanks and happy paddling,

Chris Menges

Gunnison River Stewardship Fellow

Photo. Kayaker: Rolf Kelley. Location: Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Photgrapher: Tom Janney