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Ashokan Release Channel Operations, Uncategorized

Ashokan release returns to minimum flow

NYCDEP announced additional decreases to the flow in the Ashokan Release Channel today from 200 MGD (309 cfs) to 10 MGD (15 cfs). The decrease started at 8:00 AM today (April 25th) in a series of steps until 2:00 PM.

Ashokan Reservoir storage is at 98.7 %. The CSSO for April 25th is 98.9%. Turbidity of the water in the release channel is 3.9 NTU.

Note: on May 1, the community release minimum shifts to 10 MGD and from May 1-June 30 no CSSO is in effect in accordance with the Intermim Release Protocol (IRP). NYCDEP monitor conditions and makes adjustments to releases pursuant to the IRP.

Ashokan Release Channel Operations

Ashokan release decreased

NYCDEP announced that it is decreasing the flow in the Ashokan Release Channel today (April 24) from 450 MGD (696 cfs) to 200 MGD (309 cfs). Additional decreases are expected as Ashokan storage approaches the Conditional Seasonal Storage Objective (CSSO).

Ashokan Reservoir storage combined is at 99.0% today, with the west basin at 96.6% and east basin at 100.3% with a slight spill at a rate of 51 MGD (79 cfs). The CSSO for April 24 is 98.7%, and the 30-year historical average is 100%. Turbidity of the water in the release channel is 4.1 NTU.

NYC DEP will continue to monitor conditions and make additional adjustments pursuant to the Interim Release Protocol (IRP.) Note: on May 1 the community release minimum shifts to 10 MGD, and from May 1-June 30 no CSSO is in effect in accordance with the IRP.  

Ashokan Release Channel Operations

Ashokan release adjustment

NYCDEP announced another increase in flow from 300 MGD (557 cfs) to 450 MGD (696 cfs) in a series of steps today (April 19, 2024) in accordance with the Interim Release Protocol (IRP).  The Ashokan spill and release combined will be maintained below 1000 MGD (1547 cfs).

As of April 19th, the Ashokan Reservoir storage is at 100.8 %, today’s CSSO is 97.7 %, the turbidity of the release is 5.0 NTU, and the Catskill Aqueduct is online diverting 310 MGD for water supply.

Ashokan Release Channel Operations

Ashokan release increased

Today, April 18th, NYCDEP announced an increase in release flow from 200 MGD (309 cfs) to 300 MGD (557 cfs) in three steps in accordance with the Interim Release Protocol(IRP).  The Ashokan spill and release combined will be maintained below 1000 MGD (1547 cfs).

Ashokan Reservoir storage is currently at 101.0 %. Today’s Conditional Seasonal Storage Objective (CSSO) is 97.4%. The turbidity of the release is 5.4 NTU. The Catskill Aqueduct is online diverting 310 MGD for water supply. 

Ashokan Release Channel Operations

Ashokan Release Channel Reactivated, April 17, 2024

NYCDEP announced that the Ashokan Release Channel was reactivated today and flow will be gradually increased to 200 MGD (309 cfs).  The combined flow of the Ashokan spillway and release channel will be maintained below 1000 MGD (1547 cfs) as stipulated by the Interim Release Protocol (IRP).

Ashokan Reservoir storage is currently at 101.2 %. Today’s Conditinal Seasonal Storage Objective (CSSO) is 97.2 %. The turbidity of the release is 4.0 NTU. The Catskill Aqueduct is online diverting 310 MGD for water supply. NYCDEP will continue to monitor conditions and make additional adjustments pursuant to the IRP. 

Ashokan Release Channel Operations

Ashokan Release Channel Shutdown

According to NYCDEP, the Ashokan Release Channel was shutdown at around mid-day on Friday, April 12th in accordance with the Interim Release Protocol (IRP) in response to rising creek levels and the National Weather Service forecast for the Mt Marion stream gauge .

NYCDEP is monitoring the stream gauge. Also, the Ashokan Reservoir is forecasted to spill beginning tomorrow morning and continuing through the weekend. The release channel will be re-activated once the streamflow and spill stabilizes. According to the IRP, operations can commence once Mt Marion falls below action stage so long as the combined spill and release flow rate remains below the 1000 MGD.   

As of April 12th, the Ashokan Reservoir storage was at 99.2% and the Combined Seasonal Storage Objective was at 96.0%. The turbidity of the release at shutdown was 2.2 NTU. The Catskill Aqueduct remains online diverting 400 MGD for water supply. 

News

Public input sought on draft Implementation Program

Ulster County will be accepting comments on the draft Lower Esopus Creek Implementation Program until April 11, 2024 .

You can view the DRAFT Implementation Program document here:
https://participate.ulstercountyny.gov/22092/widgets/73752/documents/53360

You can vote for your favorite projects here:
https://participate.ulstercountyny.gov/lower-esopus-stream-management-plan/brainstormers/implementation-program-projects

You can provide open-ended comments here:
https://participate.ulstercountyny.gov/lower-esopus-stream-management-plan/surveys/comments-on-implementation-program

You must register with the Participate Ulster site to give your feedback. It only requires your name and email to register. Just use any of the links above to navigate to the site, click “Register” in the upper right hand corner, and follow the instructions.

Questions on the Stream Management Plan can also be submitted through the Participate Ulster site.

Once again, deadline for comments is April 11, 2024.

Ashokan Release Channel Operations

Ashokan Release Adjustments

NYCDEP reported closure of the Ashokan Release Channel for a 10-hour period on Sunday, March 24th from around midnight to 10:00 AM, prompted by the Esopus Creek at Mt. Marion stream gage exceeding the “Action Stage” of 18ft. Afterwards, the Ashokan Release Channel was gradually reactivated to a flow of 440 MGD (681 CFS). As of Monday, March 25th, the release turbidity is 2.7 NTU, Ashokan Reservoir storage is at 98.3%, above the Conditional Seasonal Storage Objective (CSSO) of 92.3%. The Catskill Aqueduct is online and diverting 375 MGD (580 CFS) for water supply. NYCDEP will continue to monitor conditions and make additional release adjustments pursuant to the Interim Release Protocol (IRP).

Events, News

Community Forum for Lower Esopus Implementation Plan

Share your thoughts and discuss upcoming plans!

When: March 28th at 6:00PM

Where: Town of Ulster Senior Center, 1 Town Hall Drive
Lake Katrine, NY 12449

How: Please register via Eventbrite to attend in-person or online.

This forum aims to gather your valuable feedback on future projects for the Lower Esopus Creek. Two million dollars in funding is available to support these projects, and your input will help guide which projects these funds will support. Ulster County, along with consultants and an advisory council, has integrated insights from the summer outdoor and winter indoor workshops, public survey, stream assessment and resulting stream management plan. A draft list has been prepared of priority projects that will improve the health of the Creek. This latest input session presents another opportunity learn about the plan and to contribute to the future of the Creek.

Ashokan Release Channel Operations

Ashokan Release Adjustments

The Ashokan Release Channel was shut down over the weekend in response to the rising Esopus Creek water level at the Mt Marion gauge. With the Mt Marion dropping below Action Stage, the Ashokan Release Channel was reactivated on Monday, March 11th, increasing from 0 MGD to 420 MGD in a series of steps. NYSDEP will continue to monitor conditions and make additional adjustments pursuant to the Interim Release Protocol.

As of March 11, the current release turbidity is 5.3 NTU, Ashokan Reservoir storage is 97.7%, and the Catskill Aqueduct is online diverting 310 MGD for water supply.