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<br />IvJ~493 <br /> <br />Project Design <br /> <br />With these clearly defined objectives layout of the design was defined and is shown in <br />Appendix 3. The intent of the design is to transform the existing uniform channel into an area <br />that has a varietY of structures and interest to a wide variety of whitewater paddlers. <br /> <br />The site was designed to accommodate a variety of flows and to have varymg <br />characteristics at varying flow levels. The spectrum of expected flow levels varies from 250 <br />cfs on the minimum end to 2000 cfs at the upper end. Expected flow rates are seasonally <br />dependent with flows of 2000 cfs expected from mid-may through the end of June and medium <br />.. <br /> <br />flows expected in early May and in July-September. The functionality of the course also varies <br />at varying flow levels. At levels near the minimum flow the course is navigable and useful as a <br />training facility for entry-level boaters. As the flow increases the features become more <br />appropriate for top-level boaters. At the higher flow levels it ~s reasonable to expect that the <br />features formed will be appropriate for competitions in 'freestyle and slalom and that this will <br />attract out of town boaters from the surrounding region. Large whitewater events can attract a <br />number of users to the cOmInunity over an extended time period and can have a significant <br />effect on the economy of the surrounding town. At lower levels fewer paddlers will visit and <br />fewer, if any, competitive events will take place. This is particularly true in Gunnison, which is <br />surrounded by a number of excellent whitewater rivers and whitewater parks. Boaters who <br />would otherwise paddle in Gunnison will be easily lured to more powerful venues if there is <br />insufficient water in Gunnison. <br /> <br />The Wbitewater Park design incorporates a variety of diversion and control structures to <br />create whitewater features that are conducive to whitewater paddling. All of these, features <br />provide a better boating experience at the higher flow rates and therefore draw more boaters at <br />those rates. Obviously, very high flood flows are not considered as normal boating flows, but <br />the course was designed to withstand the impact of high flood flows. Structures included in the <br />Whitewater Park include off-set deflectors and "U" drops. Each of these is followed by a self- <br />scouring pool. These structures are designed to divert and control the flow at specific points to <br />create surf waves, rodeo holes, standing waves, eddies, and jets of water for squirt boating. As <br />9 <br />