Yampa - Morrison Creek Reservoir Feasibility Study_Water Activity Summary

Home Browse Search

Water Supply Reserve Account – Grant and Loan Program Water Activity Summary Sheet Applicant: Amount Requested: Upper Yampa Water Conservancy $49,500.00 District Water Activity Name: Source of Funds: Morrison Creek Basin Account Reservoir Feasibility Studies Water Activity Purpose: Technical Assistance for a Feasibility Study County: Routt Drainage Basin: Yampa Water Source: Morrison Creek (tributary to the Yampa River) Water Activity Summary: The UYWCD proposes to construct an up to 5,000 ac-ft reservoir on Morrison Creek to provide additional water storage in the basin and a surface water supply to the Morrison Creek Water and Sanitation District. Morrison Creek Water and Sanitation District (MCW&S) serves a fast growing area which contains the largest number of platted and un-built lots in Routt County. Currently served only by wells the MCW&S would like a surface water source that could be supplied by gravity to its customers. Concept planning shows a potentially suitable dam site below the confluence of Morrison and Silver Creeks that could provide approximately 5,000 acre feet of storage. This is with a water surface at the elevation of the saddle between the Morrison Creek and Little Morrison Creek Drainage where MCW&S serves customers. The UYWCD has water rights which can be changed for storage at this project and will acquire additional rights if needed. The UYWCD have also completed detailed aerial surveys on which the conceptual work is based. This proposal would provide funding for preliminary work regarding water quality, geotechnical and environmental planning. The Morrison Creek drainage includes a tributary, Muddy Creek that at times contributes considerable turbidity to the drainage. The UYWCD will evaluate the suspended sediment load and its treatment potential as a potable water source. Preliminary environmental work including wetland studies and preliminary geotechnical work are included in this proposal. The UYWCD has been evaluating the diversion of water from Morrison creek into Stagecoach Reservoir for five years. The excavation and channel work that would be required to divert this water is problematic and they think a better option is a reservoir on Morrison Creek. Little gaging data is available on Morrison Creek however information from the Division Engineers office indicates yields of 11,164 ac-ft, 7,797 ac-ft, and 13,141 ac-ft for spring runoff in 1991, 1994 and 1996 respectively. These numbers are above the confluence with Silver Creek, indicating abundant water availability for reservoir filling. 1