While Glen Canyon Dam produces exponential amounts of electrical power, it’s creation was bad news for the Colorado River’s ecosystem. In order to keep the river’s system healthy, scientists have implemented high flow experiments or a controlled flood to mimic the river’s natural processes. The latest water release ended Thanksgiving Weekend.
UPR's Mackinzie Hamilton talked with Jack Schmidt, Utah State University Professor and Chief of the USGS Monitoring and Research Center in Flagstaff, AZ. which oversees the floods.
"In some ways, this event is a scientific success story in us learning enough in from a science and engineering standpoint to implement a flood like this and the same time it's a celebration of a new political process that allows everyone to much more efficiently respond when there's an opportunity and to make the most to do the most environmental good."