2008 High-Flow Experiment from Glen Canyon Dam
2008 High-Flow Experiment Preliminary Observations
On March 5, 2008, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne pulled the levers at Glen Canyon Dam to release high flows into the Colorado River, a part of which runs the 277 mile length of Grand Canyon National Park. Water was released through Glen Canyon Dam's powerplant and bypass tubes to a maximum amount of approximately 41,500 cubic feet per second for about 60 hours. The experiment was designed
to enhance the habitat in the canyon and its wildlife, and learn more about these complex natural systems,
said Secretary Kempthorne in remarks he made before opening two of the four jet tubes at the dam.
The U.S. Geological Survey's Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center is working with other Department of the Interior agencies as well as the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Northern Arizona University, Utah State University, and other cooperators will work together to evaluate a range of research activities. Field research related to high flows will continue through the fall of 2008, and initial formal reports are anticipated to be available in late 2008 and 2009. The USGS worked cooperatively with the Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to undertake the 2008 high-flow release.
This Web site will be regularly updated. Today, see time-lapse videos of ten sandbars before, during, and after the high flows. Matched photographs are also available.
General information: (928) 556-7217 or nbryant@usgs.gov