WSP11214

• File Number: 8200.776
• Description: Uncompahgre River General
• State: CO
• Basin: Gunnison
• Water Division: 4
• Date: 1/1/1983
• Author: West Slope Hydro Par
• Title: Before the United States of America Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - Application for License for Major Project - Uncompahgre Valley Hydroelectric Project Number 2
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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000988

The Uncompahgre Project is one of the oldest Federal reclama-

tion p~jects constructed between 1904 and 1912 with rehabili-

tation and additional construction completed in 1937. The

project facilities divert water from the Gunnison and Uncompah-

gre Rivers for irrigation of approximately 86,000 acres of

land. The Gunnison River water is diverted just upstream of

the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument and

delivered to the South Canal in the Uncompahgre Valley through

the 5.8 mile long Gunnison Tunnel. Extending southwesterly for

11.4 miles from the end of the tunnel to the Uncompahgre River,

the South Canal has a capacity of approximately 1000 cfs, is

partially concrete-lined, and includes five short tunnels along

its length. From the terminal drop of the South Canal at the

Uncompahgre River, a flume conveys water across the river to

the West Canal. The West Canal has an initial capacity of 175

cfs and is about 21.4 miles long. 1

Uncompahgre Valley Hydroelectric Project Nos. 1-5, as proposed

in this and associated FERC lioense applications, are located

along the South Canal. The sixth project (Uncompahgre Valley

Hydroelectric Project No.6) is looated at Shavano Falls on the

Montrose and Delta Canal (M&D Canal). The M&D Canal is

diverted from the Unoompahgre River approximately 2 miles

downstream or north of its confluence with the South Canal.

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