USBR Virtual Meeting
We participated in USBR’s May 22, 2025 virtual meeting for an update on activities – the following topics may be of interest:
The administrative update noted a long list of personnel who either resigned or retired including Glen Canyon National Recreation Area’s superintendent. A significant amount of expertise and experience has been lost.
Dredging of the slough 15 miles upstream from Lee’s Ferry is nearing completion. Releases from the dam were reduced to 5,000 cfs on May 9 to allow for final shaping of the upstream part of the slough.
The slough was separated from the main flow, which allowed smallmouth bass to spawn due to the higher water temperatures. The smallmouth bass is a non-native predator fish that spawns when temperatures are above 60 degrees F. Lowering the water temperature in the slough was achieved.
A High Flow Experiment for this Spring has been deferred for a variety of reasons – one being the delay in dredging operations. If you recall, the Fall 2024 HFE was also deferred. HFE’s have more than one purpose in addition to replenishing the beaches. The smallmouth bass flows of 2024 successfully prevented the bass from spawning by keeping the temperature below 60 degrees at river mile 61. The hydropower revenue foregone was estimated to be $18.9 million.
The upper basin is experiencing below average levels of precipitation and snowpack. The most probable forecast of unregulated inflow to Lake Powell for April – July is 55% of average and 62% for the water year. WY is the timespan between Oct 1 and Sept 30 of the next year.
Monthly releases: May 13, 380 – 8,000 cfs; June: 15,677 – 8,917 cfs; July: 17,341 – 10,241 cfs.
The relining of River Outlet Works #1, #2 and #3 is complete, #4 should be complete in the June time period. The ROW were only intended to be used once the river bypass tunnels were closed during construction and the reservoir level reached penstock elevations. The HFE’s have deteriorated the lining and caused cavitation in some areas.
Incident on the Selway
Two individuals, Danny Triantafillou and Matthew Lane, both from Colorado, passed while kayaking on the Selway River, Idaho. The incident occurred on May 18, 2025 when the flow reached 18,000 cfs. One of Danny’s favorite rafting trips was an 18-day excursion on the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon.
As an expression of sympathy, GCPBA received donations from the Peters, Fackert and Doneth families in honor of Danny. As fellow boaters, the Board of Directors extend their deepest sympathy to family and friends – we deeply regret this unfortunate loss of life.
Please be safe,
John Vrymoed, President
Grand Canyon Private Boaters’ Association