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0029u2 Project Design The intent of the design is to transform the existing unifonn chmmel into an area that has a variety of structures and interest to a wide variety of white water paddlers and other boaters. The site was designed to accommodate a variety of flows and to have varying characteristics at varying flow levels. The spectrum of expected usable flow levels varies from 120 cfs on the minimum end to greater than 1700 cfs at the upper end. Expected flow rates are seasonally dependent with flows typically available at the claimed amounts. The functionality of the course also varies at varying flow levels. At levels near the lower claimed amounts, the course is navigable and useful as a training facility for entry-level boaters. As the flow increases the features become more appropriate for top-level boaters. At the higher flow levels claimed, it is reasonable to expect that the features fonned will be appropriate for competitions in freestyle and slalom and thatthis will attract out of town boaters from the surrounding region. Large whitewater events can attract a number of users to the community over an extended time period and can have a significant effect on the economy of the surrounding town. Atlower levels fewer paddlers will visit and fewer, if any, competitive events will take place. This is particularly true in Steamboat Springs, which is surrounded by a number of excellent whitewater rivers. Boaters who would otherwise paddle in Steamboat Springs will be easily lured to more powerful venues if there is insufficient water in the Yampa River. The Boating Park design incorporates a variety of diversion and control structures to create features that are conducive to whitewater paddling. All ofthese features provide a better boating experience at the higher flow rates claimed and therefore draw more boaters at those rates. Obviously, very high flood flows are not considered as normal boating flows. The course was designed, however, to withstand the impact of high flood flows. Structures included in the Boating Park include "U" drops. Each of these is followed by a self-scouring pool. These structures are designed to divert and control the flow at specific points to create surf waves, rodeo holes, standing waves, eddies, and jets of water for Squili boating. As water flows increase, these wave forms become larger, more powerful, and conducive to the sport of whitewater rodeo, play-boating, and slalom racing. The structures included in the Boating Park, as shown in Figure 1, are massive structures built oflarge stone, grouted together with concrete, that span the entire channel and are anchored well into the bed and banks of the river. They are designed to divert and control water to create boating features, particularly at high flows. These structures work together in tandem to create the desired features. It is this true variety of features that makes the course attractive and useful to such a large cross-section of potential users. -5- .