WSP08835

• File Number: 8149.100
• Description: Miscellaneous Small Projects and Project Studies - NRCS-Ft Lyon Canal Co Limestone Graveyard Creeks
• State: CO
• Basin: Arkansas
• Water Division: 2
• Date: 6/2/1993
• Author: Gronning Engineering
• Title: Ft Lyon Canal Company Water Transfer Alternatives Study Phase I Report
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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0083

The capacity of the Ft.. Lyon Canal above the Kickingbird bifurcation has been reported to be
approximately 1,800 cfs. Downstream from the bifurcation structure the capacity has been reported
to range from approximately 1,500 cis to approximately 600 cis. A Parshall measuring flume has been
constructed on the Ft. Lyon Canal about two miles downstream from the diversion dam. The flume
measures diversions that are both Ft. Lyon direct flow priorities and diversions for the Great Plains
Reservoir system (Tipton and Kalmbach 1987). In its 1989-1990 investigation ofthe Fort Lyon Canal
system, the USGS calculated the flow rates of the Ft. Lyon Canal at several locations. Although their
data are not conclusive, it appears that the present capacity of the Ft. Lyon Canal is less than stated
in prior engineering reports. (Dash 1993)

The Ft. Lyon Storage Canal delivers water from its headgate located on the north bank of the Arkansas
River about three miles east of Manzanola to Horse Creek Reservoir and Adobe Creek Reservoir. The
capacity of the canal has been reported to be approximately 2,000 cis. The distance from its point of
diversion at the Arkansas River to Horse Creek Reservoir is approximately 33 miles and the canal
length to Adobe Creek Reservoir is approximately 45 miles. In addition, water for storage may be
obtained from both Horse Creek and Adobe Creek. Water in Horse Creek Reservoir is released into
the Horse Creek Outlet Canal and delivered to the Ft. Lyon Canal at a point approximately 16 miles
downstream from the Ft. Lyon Canal headgate. Water is released from Adobe Creek Reservoir into
Adobe Creek through the Adobe Creek Outlet Canal approximately 2.5 miles in length and then enters
the Ft. Lyon Canal approximately 23 miles downstream from the headgate. The storage water is used
to supplement water delivered under the direct flow priorities. (Tipton and Kalmbach 1987)

Losses in the system have been estimated to be 17% for the Fort Lyon storage canal, 30% for the Fort
Lyon Canal and 10% for the laterals. A portion of these losses do not return back to the stream
system. (Woodward-Clyde 1981)

The Ft. Lyon Canal Company also has constructed Thurston Reservoir (near the lower end of its
system) which has a decreed capacity of 1,515 acre-feet. This structure originally was used to deliver
water to Amity with Ft. Lyon receiving water from Amity by exchange. In 1984 the Ft. Lyon Canal
Company constructed a pump and pipeline on Thurston Reservoir so that the water could be pumped
from the reservoir back into the Ft. Lyon Canal. Thurston Reservoir is a minor source of additional
supply to the company. (Tipton and Kalmbach 1987). . .

In 1983 the company developed a Feasibility Report for the Rehabilitation and Betterment of the Fort
Lyon Canal System (Tipton and Kalmbach 1983). The report was initiated in part to obtain 50%
funding for the recommended improvements through the Colorado Water Conservation Board. The
recommended improvements and betterments were projected to cost $2,700,000 and consist of the
projects outlined in Table A3.1 of Appendix 3. Although the Fort Lyon stockholders did not approve
the company's matching share (Annual Reports 1984) some of the improvements were constructed.
These include the Thurston pumping plant, headgate improvements and cleaning and shaping the Fort
Lyon Storage Canal. Maintenance projects are ongoing in accordance with the funding levels provided
by the annual assessments. However, the Canal system continues to need considerable rehabilitation
and repair.

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