Publication

RiverEyes Observations in the Middle Rio Grande for the 2016 Irrigation Season

URL: https://webapps.usgs.gov/mrgescp/documents/Shuck-et-al_2017_RiverEyes-Observations-for-2016.pdf

Date: 2017/04/01

Author(s): Shuck J., Toya J.

Publication: Prepared for U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Prepared by SWCA Environmental Consultants, 87 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 Bureau of Reclamation, hydrologic conditions were monitored daily from April 1 through October 31, 2016. For each day that hydrologic conditions in the Rio Grande were monitored, observations were summarized in a text message to Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel, and a brief summary report was prepared documenting spatial and temporal observations of flow (measured and visual estimates) and longitudinal limits of running water conditions. These reports were distributed via e-mail to recipients of water operations conference call notes. Similarly, verbal reports of field observations were made during water operations conference calls. Records of observed and measured hydrologic conditions were kept for the duration of the observation period.