PROJ01945 ‎(3)‎

• Contract/PO #: C150193
• Contractor Name: Dolores Water Conservancy District
• Contract Type: Loan
• Water District: 34
• County: Montezuma
• Loan Projects - Doc Type: Feasibility Study

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CHAPTER IX - FIELD INVESTIGATIONS
(Summary from October 2000 Feasibility Report)

Aerial photography and topography have been obtained for Plateau, Beaver Creek, Sharps Creek,
and Monument Creek dams and reservoirs. The topography is at a scale of 1 inch equals 100
feet with 5 foot contours.

Plateau Dam and Reservoir is the most likely reservoir site to be constructed for large upstream
storage and therefore, field investigations have been conducted including test pits along the dam
axis and in the borrow area. The test pits involved field classification of the soil profile and soil
samples for lab tests which are available upon request. Laboratory tests for the field samples
have not been performed. The field classification indicates that there is a suitable type and
quantity of material to construct an earth embankment at the Plateau Dam site. Test borings into
bedrock have not been performed but are not expected to show any problems that would
preclude the construction of the dam.

Wetlands and endangered species field surveys were conducted for Plateau Reservoir, which did
not show any issues that cannot be mitigated. The sharp tailed grouse may be added to the
Federal endangered species list which may have habitat in the reservoir basin. No field studies
have been performed to verify the existence of sharp tailed grouse habitat in the Plateau
Reservoir basin.

A 6 foot Parshall flume was installed on Plateau Creek near the dam site to measure the runoff
from the drainage area above the proposed reservoir. Only two years of data have been
collected. It appears that there is adequate runoff to yield about 3,700 acre-feet per year from a
20,000 acre-foot reservoir.

Soil Conservation Service land classification maps have been used to determine the suitability of
the petitioned land for irrigation. The maps have been completed and are available for use.

Geotechnical and geologic studies of the Dove Creek Canal will be used where available to
evaluate the foundation conditions for the proposed new pump stations. Auger hole data are
included in the "Specifications for Reach 1 of the Dove Creek Canal" prepared in October, 1982.
This data shows that the foundations at the preliminary locations of the pump stations are
suitable.

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