Dworshak Integrated Rule CurvesM

1
Dworshak Integrated Rule Curves/ME Project
198740700

• 2002 Status Review
• David P. Statler Nez Perce Tribe
• Project Leader

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Purpose of Discussion

• Illustrate results associated with the 2002
  objectives that RFC recommended for funding.

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Discussion Topics

• Compare CBFWA RFC recommended objectives and
  funding recommendations for FY 2002-06 with
  actual objectives and funding.
• Provide summary of results pertaining to
  objectives actually funded.
• Project retrospective.

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CBWA RFC Recommended2002 Objectives

• Refine the Dworshak Rule Curve Evaluation Model
  (DRCEM) based on recommendations from Barber and
  Juul (2001).
• Identify and update appropriate integrated
  Dworshak operations (Integrated Rule Curve).

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CBWA RFC Recommended Objectives (cont.)

• Institute appropriate integrated operations.
• Develop a comprehensive long-term monitoring and
  evaluation plan for Dworshak Reservoir.

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Actual Funded 2002 Objectives

• Refine Dworshak Rule Curve Evaluation Model.
• Formulate Integrated Rule Curve.
• Institute Rule Curve Recommendations.

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RFC Recommended versus Actual Funding
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Background for Differences in Recommended
Objectives and Funding

• ISRP Do not fund
• It will not be useful to undertake the proposed
  efforts to adjust a process (BIOP implementation)
  that is already burdened by too many conflicting
  influences.
• NWPCC Fund
• Provide 95,000 in Fiscal Year 2002 to complete
  the rule curves and final report. Close out
  project.

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Summary of Results Pertaining to Objectives
Actually Funded.

• Completed initial Dworshak Rule Curve Evaluation
  Model.
• Collaboratively developed integrated operational
  criteria for Dworshak.
• Institutionalized the integrated operational
  criteria for Dworshak in several regional
  guidance documents and forums.

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Dworshak Dam and Reservoir are located in the
Clearwater Subbasin of the Mountain Snake
Ecological Province, about 35 miles east of
Lewiston, Idaho.
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Dworshak Dam Statistics
Located RM 1.9 on NF Clearwater R. 717 feet
high. Highest straight-axis concrete dam in the
W. Hemisphere. Third highest dam in the US.
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Formulated Initial Integrated Rule Curve
Evaluation Model (DRCEM)

• DRCEM is a user-friendly Visual Basic
  modification of the Fortran based Hungry Horse
  (HRMOD) and Libby (LRMOD) models developed by
  MDFWP.
• More than 75 Fortran subroutines and associated
  support files have been converted to 45 Visual
  basic Forms and 1 methodology Module.

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Formulate Integrated Rule Curve Evaluation Model

• Three major computational elements
• hydrologic (water balance).
• thermal (outflow temperatures, temperature
  profiles).
• biological (primary productivity, zooplankton
  growth and washout, benthic diptera production,
  surface insect density, fish growth).

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Formulate Integrated Rule Curve Evaluation Model

• Challenges to model development have included
• Obtaining site-specific regression equations.
• Inconsistent units in the source models.
• Inadequate documentation in the source models.

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Formulate Integrated Rule Curve Evaluation Model

• Refinement of the initial DRCEM would require
• Debugging the thermal routine.
• Further development of site-specific regression
  equations.
• Determining valid estimates for incomplete or
  missing data.
• Further customizing routines for Dworshak
  Reservoir.

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Develop Integrated Operational Criteria

• Attain full pool (1600 ft msl) June 30 or before.
• Maintain full pool through July 31.
• Summer drawdown to no lower than elevation 1537
  ft msl by August 31 for BIOP operations to cool
  Snake River.
• Drawdown to no lower than 1520 ft msl by
  September 30 for late summer cooling.
• Draft/refill to upper flood control curve or
  higher through June 30.

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Develop Integrated Operational Criteria

• Minimum discharge of 1.5 kcfs.
• Maximum discharge without TDG water quality
  exemption from NPT and Idaho
• 14.0 kcfs from October 1 through June 30.
• 13.0 kcfs from July 1 through September 30.
• Exceptions with cause (drought, repairs, flood
  management requirements, specific fish passage
  needs).

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Develop Integrated Operational Criteria
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Institute Rule Curve Recommendations

• Collaboratively developed integrated criteria
  have been institutionalized in
• Dworshak Operation Plan (Idaho Water Resource
  Board 2000).
• River Operations Plan (CRITFC 2001, 2002, 2003).
• Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program
  2003 Mainstem Amendments (NWPCC 2003).

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Summary of Results Pertaining to Objectives
Actually Funded

• Completed initial Dworshak Rule Curve Evaluation
  Model.
• Collaboratively developed integrated operational
  criteria for Dworshak.
• Institutionalized the integrated operational
  criteria for Dworshak in several regional
  guidance documents and forums.

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RetrospectiveDRCEM

• An initial working model is in place.
• Model limitations and follow-up issues have been
  identified.
• Due to project close-out, we will likely not be
  able to pursue model refinements.

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RetrospectiveIntegrated Operational Criteria

• The developed integrated operational criteria
  (IRC) are driven primarily by flood control and
  BIOP flow/temperature criteria.
• The value added features of the integrated
  criteria include
• Priority for early refill during spring
  operations.
• Temperature management for fall chinook salmon
  rearing in the Lower Clearwater River.
• Extends water cooling through late summer.
• Water quality criteria (TDG).

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RetrospectiveInstituting Integrated Criteria

• Institutionalization of the integrated criteria
  is markedly advanced by inclusion in IWRB
  Dworshak Operation Plan, CRITFC River Operations
  Plan, and the NWPCC Mainstem Amendments.
• HOWEVER, real time application of the criteria
  requires weekly and sometimes daily participation
  in the Regional Forum (FPAC, TMT, IT).

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RetrospectiveInstituting Integrated Criteria

• The lack of funding for intensive involvement in
  the Regional Forum limits the effective
  application of the Dworshak integrated
  operational criteria.

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DWR Flood Control Rule CurveFamily of Curves
No flood storage space needed July 1 - September
1. 1586 on Oct 1 1579 on Nov 15. 1558 on Dec
15. Max drawdown on April 1 based on run-off
forecasts after Jan 1.