Three experimental high-flow releases from Glen Canyon Dam, Arizona— Effects on the downstream Colorado River ecosystem

Three experimental high-flow releases (HFEs) from Glen Canyon Dam, conducted in 1996, 2004, and 2008, demonstrated that artificial floods can restore critical downstream ecosystem functions in the Colorado River. These controlled releases mimicked pre-dam seasonal flooding, benefiting endangered humpback chub populations, sandbar habitats, cultural sites, and recreational resources within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Grand Canyon National Park. The study synthesized findings from multiple HFE-related investigations since 1996, providing a framework for future implementations to mitigate the dam's ecological impacts.

Melis, T. S., Grams, P. E., Kennedy, T. A., Ralston, B. E., Robinson, C. T., Schmidt, J. C., Schmit, L. M., Valdez, R. A., & Wright, S. A. (2011). Three experimental high-flow releases from Glen Canyon Dam, Arizona— Effects on the downstream Colorado River ecosystem. Fact Sheet. https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20113012