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-7- 001038 , ( In this connection, it may be observed, that the natural flow of the Arkansas River at Pueblo in 1943, as disclosed by the Daily River Reports as corrected for increased releases of transmountain diversions by the Colorado canal, was about 90 percent of normal. The flow of the Purguitore at the Highland Dam was about 15 percent of normal and that of other tributaries much less than normal. The attached tabulation shows that the Fort Lyon canal which diverts no water from upstream reservoirs, apparently diverted 14,490 acre feet less water in 1943 than its average historic diversions. An analysis of diversions by other canals above the Fort Lyon, on dates when its second priority was not being satisfied, discloses that this was the result of some excessive diversions by upstream canals and the requirements at times that the Fort Lyon pass more water by La Junta than should have been required; also to the failure on the part of the management to divert all the water which was available to it on certain dates, and finally to the fact that natural river flow through Pueblo during the six months period was subnormal. A further analysis of the large additional diversions made by the Catlin canal were, at least partially, due to the regimen of stream flow which per- mitted a longer period of diversions than in average years, and which also would adversely affect the amount of diversions under the Fort Lyon second priority. No attempt has been made to determine the cause of lesser or greater diversions by other canals in 1943, than their average historic diversions. The foregoing statements and conclusions are subject possibly, to some corrections following further analysis of all available records. In conclusion, I desire. to express to the Water Users and to the Manage- . ment of all of the Colorado canals and their Attorneys, my sincere appreciation of the tolerance displayed by them during this rather trying period. ~.~~ State Engineer .'- ;. " ." ,.