FFMP Test

[Big_Spinner]

Hi,

Here is the first opportunity to see if in fact the modifications to the FFMP are going to help.

The flows this April showed a flaw in the FFMP. When the reservoir was spilling, the release was 1500. When the reservoir stoped spilling the release dropped to 110 cfs. This cycled through a few times and caused some unexpected yo-yo effect. Inflows were still high and caused the reservoir to start spilling when releases were reduced.

After the April yo-yos, the decree parties discussed how to fix the problem and now is the time to see if the fix will work.

At the RFAC meeting the parties stated that NYC is going to use new release protocols that will eliminate the yo-yos. I am not terribly comfortable lettting NYC make unilateral decisions on flow protocol, but here is the time to see what happens.

All three reservoirs have or will stop spilling in the next couple of days. (Unless we get hammered with more boomers) Under FFMP the releases should drop from their max in L1a to L1b. This is what causes the yo-yo. The new protocol asks for releases to be tied to inflows. Inflow into Cannonsville is still about 1500 cfs, so if releases are dropped to 350, there will be some yo-yoing. NYC is supposed to adjust releases slowly, instead of the more rapid drop to 350.

So, let's keep an eye on what happens the next few days to see if FFMP is truly flexible.

By the way, fishing has been great to excellent the last few days!!

Jim