I posted this yesterday in another Gunpowder forum. As explained below, the flow is supposed to be reduced to 15cfs for the time being.
Regarding the Gunpowder, the target flow is scheduled to be dialed back to 15cfs starting today. The current flow has been 28cfs, preceded by several weeks of flows in excess of 100-175cfs.
The stated reason for the reduction in flows is that the region is experiencing a significant drought, with certain areas of the state experiencing historically low stream flow levels, with three of those streams being the largest tributaries of Prettyboy Reservoir (Upper Gunpowder Falls, Grave’s Run, and George’s Run). The reservoir is currently 13.33’ below the full pool level, and even at the current discharge rate of 28cfs, the reservoir is emptying faster than it is filling up. The idea apparently is to preserve as much (cold) water as possible for next summer. Until the region receives significant precipitation to alleviate the ongoing drought conditions, it seems likely flows will continue to be at this reduced level for the foreseeable future (until the City/County decide that Loch Raven Reservoir needs to be topped up, at which point who knows).
Obviously there are greater concerns than trout fishing, and a significant drought only compounds that. But what I do not understand is why we continue to see higher than average flows for weeks on end, followed by significant reductions, and now to only slightly above minimum flows (11.5cfs is the minimum discharge outlined in the agreement between Maryland TU and Baltimore City/County). Would it not make sense to maintain a more steady flow of, say, 50-75cfs rather than ramping up flows for weeks only to be followed by minimal flows? As I said, a drought creates challenges, so obviously exceptions need to be made. But going forward it seems to me there should be a focused discussion on how to maintain more stable flows on the stream.
