Multicriteria decision analysis applied to Glen Canyon Dam

Conflicts in water resources exist because river-reservoir systems are mana ged to optimize traditional benefits (e.g., hydropower and flood control), which are historically quantified in economic terms, whereas natural and en vironmental resources, including in-stream and riparian resources, are more difficult or impossible to quantify in economic terms. Multicriteria decis ion analysis provides a quantitative approach to evaluate resources subject to river basin management alternatives. This objective quantification meth od includes inputs from special interest groups, the general public, and co ncerned individuals, as well as professionals for each resource considered in a trade-off analysis. Multicriteria decision analysis is applied to reso urces and flow alternatives presented in the environmental impact statement for Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River. A numeric rating and priority-w eighting scheme is used to evaluate 29 specific natural resource attributes , grouped into seven main resource objectives, for nine flow alternatives e numerated in the environmental impact statement.