Dreamflows HHWP Project Release - May 2009
 
"I can't boat everyday, but I can always Dream"
 
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Hetch Hetchy Water and Power originally published a schedule for most of May, 2009, but changing circumstances (and time) render most of it now obsolete.  So, in an effort to avoid confusion, all the old passages have been deleted, in favor of this new one:

On May 21, Hetch Hetchy Water and Power provided the following update:

"Hello River Recreationists -

Per the spread sheets you have been receiving (last one on Monday the 18th), we have been releasing large amounts of water from both Hetch Hetchy and Cherry to accomplish research goals and to make room to hold inflow during the Friday - Monday holiday period that starts tomorrow.

Releases at HH have been ramping down since noon, and as of 6 pm today we will be releasing 2000 cfs for the rest of the weekend.  Releases at Cherry have been ramping down since 2 pm, and as of 4 pm we will be releasing 25 cfs.  Eleanor has decreased from 760 cfs to 400 cfs due to operational changes.  Holm PH is releasing 975 cfs into Cherry Creek, and Middle and South Forks of the Tuolumne are about 500 cfs combined.  Small inflows along the channel add 300 cfs or so more, so expect to see about 4500 cfs at Meral's Pool by Friday morning, 22 May.  That value will hold steady or decrease gradually during the 4-day period due to fairly stable temperatures.

Starting Tuesday the 26th and through Thursday the 28th, flows may increase again to the 6500 cfs range at Meral's Pool depending on inflow rates and possible spill-control releases at Cherry and Hetch Hetchy.

I will communicate again on Tuesday the 26th, and of course immediately if conditions change and the flow at Meral's pool is going to exceed the forecast by 300-500 cfs.  Please recreate safely during the weekend and take all whitewater precautions."

Dreamflows commentary:

I've updated the table below to reflect the updated estimates through this weekend, but from Tuesday onward have left the estimated flows the way they were.  The above section comments on what next week may hold.

Key to table:

ColorMeaning
 Weekends and Memorial Day
 Reduced flows (hopefully a good boatable level, but not necessarily -
add your estimate of Eleanor spill plus Mi. + So. Fork Tuolumne
flows to guess the total at Meral's Pool)
 Higher flows, not recommended for boating
 O'Shaughnessy + Holm + Early Intake + Cherry

DateDayO'Shaughnessy
Release
Holm
Release
Early Intake
Release
Cherry
Release
Project
Release
Eleanor
Spill
Mi. + So. Forks
Tuolumne
Total
May 22Fri2000975325253325400400-600Add Project Release
to your estimate of
spill and tributary
melt to get Merals Pool
flow, weather dependent
May 23Sat2000975325253325400400-600
May 24Sun2000975325253325400400-600
May 25Mon2000975325253325400400-600
May 26Tue40009753255005800500-700300-600
May 27Wed40009753255005800400-600200-500
May 28Thu40009753255005800400-600200-500
May 29Fri40009753252505500400-600200-500
May 30Sat25009753252504050300-500200-400
May 31Sun25009753252504050300-400200-400