Publication

RiverEyes Observations in the Middle Rio Grande for the 2014 Irrigation Season

URL: https://webapps.usgs.gov/mrgescp/documents/Hatch-et-al_2014_RiverEyes-Observations-for-2014.pdf

Date: 2014/12/01

Author(s): Hatch M.D., Pargas G.

Publication: Prepared for U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Prepared by SWCA Environmental Consultants, 236 p.

Abstract:

Reconnaissance of portions of the Middle Rio Grande is mandated by Reasonable and Prudent Alternative Element C of the 2003 Biological Opinion (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2003). Such reconnaissance is conducted under the project commonly referred to as “RiverEyes.” RiverEyes monitoring must be performed when flows are less than 300 cubic feet per second at San Acacia Diversion Dam. RiverEyes provides current information on river flows that allow action agencies to react quickly to rapidly changing conditions on the river, facilitate coordination among the agencies to prevent unexpected drying, and prepare for Rio Grande silvery minnow (Hybognathus amarus) rescues.

Under contract with the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, hydrologic conditions were monitored daily from April 1 through June 30, 2014. There was a 9-day hiatus in observations from July 1 through 9, 2014 as a consequence of delay in executing a contract with the Bureau of Reclamation. Records of hydrologic conditions during this period of contract interruption were obtained from Water Operations Conference Call notes and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fish rescue crew. Under contract with the Bureau of Reclamation, hydrologic conditions were monitored daily from July 9 through October 31, 2014.