Flip-Flop Origins

Major and Mighell (1969) estimated 30-50% mortality of spring chinook eggs from dewatering in upper Yakima River
1980 Quackenbush Decision mandated that the Yakima Project be operated to reduce impacts on fish. Minimum of 2 inches of water flowing over redd tailspills
USBR established SOAC
Flip-Flop was designed to protect fish and satisfy irrigation deliveries

Major and Mighell (1969) estimated 30-50% mortality of spring chinook eggs from dewatering in upper Yakima River