BOARD04W

• Board Meeting Date: 9/13/2003
• Description: CF Section - Finance Committee Meeting
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

high flow events. This effort has been referred to as "flood hardening." Each year, gages from
a master list, that was developed in 20011 2002, will be evaluated on an individual basis and
funded for flood hardening through this program. In addition, flood-warning systems may be
implemented as part of this effort for at-risk communities. This is an ongoing joint request
between CWCB and DWR. The allocation of these funds for specific projects is managed
'oint! between the DWR and CWCB. See attached DWR memo
Update existing USGS gages with High Data Rate Satellite Monitoring equipment,
This project entails updating approximately 5 USGS gages, which are of interest to the CWCB
with High Data Rate Satellite Monitoring equipment. These gages are currently being operated
and maintained by the USGS through their co-op programs, however the sites do not have
satellite telemetry capability, which would aid the CWCB floodplain, Stream and Lake
Protection, Compact, and DSS programs. A list of gages that have been updated through this
ongoing project, as well as gages left to be updated has been compiled and is available for
review. Last year no gages were added to the list since the USGS was undergoing a
prioritization of gages throughout Colorado. Once that list is finalized this fall, additional
e ui ment will be ordered and installed.
Crest-gage Gages for Improved Flood Information at Existing Continuous Gaging
Stations
Many gaging stations operated by the USGS and DWR utilize pressure transducers to measure
the depth of flow (stage) in a stream. While pressure transducers have improved the stage
record at gaging stations, they can provide erroneous stage at some gaging stations during large
floods. The installation of crest-stage gages at these sites will provide a measure of quality
control on the stage records during floods and also allow an individual hydrographer or
hydrologic technician to measure the high-water mark from the flood, as opposed to having to
use a surveying instrument, which requires two people. Again, improved efficiencies are
ex ected to result b utilizin these devices.
Installation of new stream flow gages.
This project entails the installation of new staff gages, data loggers and fully equipped Satellite
Monitoring Stations. These gages will be installed by the USGS, DWR or others and may
include funding for operation and maintenance for one year. CWCB will attempt to bring in
other stakeholders to share in the future O&M costs and/or will have the DWR provide for
operation and maintenance as a result of improved efficiencies as discussed in the ADCP
ro' ect above.
Gaging Related Equipment Purchases.
This funding is necessary to update and maintain equipment used for the Gaging Program and
to provide for ongoing staff training. Examples of ongoing purchases include mapping software
updates, survey and portable stream gaging equipment purchases and/or repairs, computer
hardware u ades and associated software.
Total

DWR Request

"

$ 35,000

$5,000

$ 30,000

$ 15,000

$250,000

Controlled maintenance of the Satellite Monitoring System is an authorized non-reimbursable expense
from the Construction Fund (Section 37-60-121 (1)(b)(II), CRS), and it is included in the Board's Long Term
Financial Projection. Staff recognizes the value of continuing collection of real-time streamflow data and the
benefits to all of the CWCB's programs. Staffwill be working hard with the DWR and other entities to more
thoroughly incorporate the Satellite Monitoring System into the CWCB~s expanding gaging program. The
details of the DWR Satellite Monitoring System funding request are explained in detail in the attached memo e.
from Hal Simpson to Rod Kuharich dated July 14, 2003.

Flood Protection · Water Project Planning and Financing. Stream and Lake Protection
Water Supply Protection. Conservation Planning