PROJ02073 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I RED MESA RESERVOIR ENLARGEMENT STATUS REPORT SUMMARY OF FINDINGS Introduction Red Mesa Ward (aka Mormon) Reservoir is owned by the Red Mesa Ward Reservoir and Ditch Company (Company) and is located in southwestern Colorado on Hay Gulch in the LaPlata River drainage. The existing reservoir is 1,172 acre-feet in size. Due to low interest rates, relatively good hay prices, the necessity for repairs to the existing dam, and the need for domestic and/or augmentation water; the Company is investigating the possibility of enlarging the reservoir to 4,070 acre-feet for which they have water rights. Current Status In January, 1995 a draft feasibility study was circulated for review and comment. The water supply was based on the assumption that the Company could divert its water rights during the winter. The CWCB authorized a loan of up to $2,250,000 for a $3,000,000 project based upon the draft feasibility study. In 1996 the Company attempted to divert its winter water rights from the LaPlata River, which resulted in a call on other water rights. The ensuing legal action by the other water rights precluded the diversion of the Red Mesa Reservoir direct flow water rights during the winter and has stopped further progress on the enlargement in the manner described in the 1995 draft feasibility study. Since 1996, the water users in the LaPlata River basin have been attempting to develop a plan whereby the enlargement would benefit the entire basin rather than just the Company. Though progress is being made to develop such a plan, as described in the June, 2000 "Western LaPlata County Water Management and Conservation Plan", the parties have not yet reached an agreement. The conceptual plan would have the enlargement developed under the auspices of the LaPlata Water Conservancy District in partnership with the Company. Rather than continue to maintain the CWCB authorization of $2,250,000, the Company has concluded that the enlargement is not feasible under the assumptions described herein which was the basis for the $2,250,000 construction authorization. Project Description The following description summarizes the enlargement described herein and in the 1995 draft feasibility study. The existing dam requires repairs to the outlet tower and enlargement of the spillway. Though the State Engineer has not imposed a restriction on the reservoir because of these problems, the Company is attempting to correct the problems before a crisis is imposed. 1