From USBR: Normally, I increase the release from Turquoise down Lake Fork in the spring when the gage above Turquoise shows the inflows are increasing. The gage hasn't been put into service yet this spring so I look at the computed native inflow. This indicates we're getting more than 15 cfs accumulating in Turquoise right now. I'm going to increase the release down Lake Fork to 15 cfs at 14:00 today, 19 March. We'll hold it to 15 until the weather cools off and snow melt slows down, then decrease it to match native inflows as they decline. 

Mount Elbert Powerplant, Attn: Facility Manager
Subject: Project Operations

GENERAL
Generate power before taking Unit 1 down for maintenance.

Sugarloaf Dam
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 11:00 Hrs.
Begin a release of 300 cfs to Mt Elbert Conduit. When the Sugarloaf powerplant becomes available, release the 300 cfs through the powerplant. Continue the 10-14 cfs bypass flow.

Maintain these flows until Monday, March 23, 2026 at 08:00 hours. At that point, reduce flows to the bypass flow. Maintain the bypass flow until further notice.

Mount Elbert Powerplant, Attn: Facility Manager
Subject: Project Operations

GENERAL
End winter water operations

Sugarloaf Dam
Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 0000 Hrs.
Convert the 3 cfs project release to a native release. Continue releasing 3 cfs of native
inflow down Lake Fork Creek.

Twin Lakes Dam
Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 0000 Hrs.
Stop storing native flows in Twin Lakes. Convert the 15 cfs project release to native.

Mount Elbert Powerplant, Attn: Facility Manager
Subject: Project Operations

GENERAL
MTE U1 is going down for annual maintenance today and the unit will be out until April.

Sugarloaf Dam
Monday, February 9, 2026 at 09:00 Hrs.
Stop the release of 340 cfs to the Mt Elbert Conduit. Continue the ~10 cfs bypass release for the Leadville fish hatchery.

Maintain these flows until further notice.

Mount Elbert Powerplant, Attn: Facility Manager
Subject: Project Operations

GENERAL
Balance project water storage in the upper reservoirs.

Sugarloaf Dam
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 09:00 Hrs.
Begin a release of 340 cfs through the Sugarloaf powerplant to Mt Elbert Conduit. Continue the ~10 cfs bypass release.

Maintain these flows until further notice.