Does the Flexible Flow Management Program include a specific thermal management component to control stream temperatures for downstream fish habitat protection?
No, the FFMP does not directly manage stream temperatures at downstream sites. Instead, seasonal release rates are established to provide fixed volumes of cold water sufficient to protect against thermal stress to the cold water fishery. The seasonal schedules set fixed release volumes year round that are predictable and sustainable and provide a greater level of public understanding. Previous versions of reservoir release plans included “banks” of cold water reserved for thermal control. Yet, the sustainable and productive implementation of these banks proved to have several insurmountable obstacles, including capacity to anticipate air and water temperatures on both an hourly and long term basis. This resulted in either premature depletion of storage banks or storage banks left unused. In concert with the adaptive management frame work of the FFMP, the Decree Parties implemented a temporary program for the summer 2008 season to provide additional water when specific air and water eme
