PAGE, Ariz– On Monday, Nov. 11, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Water and Science Anne Castle will join other officials to initiate a high-flow experimental release from Glen Canyon Dam-the second release under the science-based protocol adopted in May 2012 for more frequent high-flow experimental releases on the Colorado River.
Dam managers and resource specialists have determined that the right conditions exist to trigger a high flow that will mobilize the tremendous amount of sediment deposited by the Paria River since late July-nearly 1.5 million metric tons. Using dam operations to create a flood that mimics pre-dam natural flooding in the watershed, the sediment carried and deposited downstream in Grand Canyon National Park will build sandbars that provide key wildlife habitat for animals and fish, create recreational opportunities for the public, and protect archaeological resources.
The high flows will not change the total annual delivery of water from Lake Powell to Lake Mead; they will simply slightly modify the timing of delivery. The available sediment volume is approximately three times greater than it was in the fall of 2012.
For more information on the high-flow experimental release, click here.
WHO:
Anne Castle, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Water and Science
WHAT:
High-Flow Experimental Release from Glen Canyon Dam
WHEN:
Monday, Nov. 11, 2013
10:30a.m. - Arrival for 11 a.m. remarks by Assistant Secretary Castle at visitor center
11:30a.m. - Arrival for security screening and escort to base of dam before bypass release
1 p.m. - Start of bypass release from river outlet tubes
WHERE:
Hayden Visitor Center, Glen Canyon Dam, Page, Arizona
RSVP:
Glen Canyon Dam is a National Critical Infrastructure facility. Notification of special coverage requests must be made prior to the event
Members of the Media must RSVP in advance of the event to: Ron Anderson, Glen Canyon Dam Security, (928) 645-0405, randerson@usbr.gov.
Source: Department of Interior
