RG Minutes Mar 11 08 Final 032808

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RGBRT 3/11/08 Creek, Alamosa River, San Antonio, Saguache Creek - snowpack is way above, so we anticipate high runoff. It's the first time we've had this since `79. If we continue on this course will be similar to `85, `86, `87 and `95. We are very concerned about high runoff, especially the Alamosa River below Terrace Reservoir. Platoro Reservoir will be used for flood control this year and we'll use all our reservoirs this year to deal with the peak. There will be some localized flooding. On the Alamosa it's going to be very similar this year to '95: 1400cfs to 1500 cfs. Cindy to Steve: Will it flood? Steve: We don't have the outlet tools. Terrace has spilled seven times and it will spill over the spillway. There's nothing you can do except try to take as much of the peak off as possible. Terrace is half full already; lots of pressure on Terrace. There's going to be some difficulties especially if this snow pack remains and continues. Charlie: Should people be warned? Is somebody warning them? We're going to send 900,000 AF down river. Steve: We've met with the Counties -most of the officials weren't here in the `80s. There have been public meetings. Ray: I think the word is getting out. Pat said he will visit with Ruth regularly. Travis: Ruth was very helpful in `05. Discussion of preparations needed for flood conditions. Cindy: Who would be the person from CDWR office to talk to our communities. Pat responded that Mike Sullivan or contact any of us. The gauge at Alamosa is frozen so we're not getting readings. John Shawcroft recalled dam safety issues of `50 years ago at Terrace Reservoir. There may be uncontrolled runoff from Terrace this year. Conejos and Rio Grande 1.4 to 1.5 AF. Half the water supply on our major rivers must go downriver for a substantial period of time. Steve: There is only so much we can consume, even worse than that on the Conejos. It all has to go downstream. The river is not big enough to hold it all and there's going to be flooding. None of the gages are correct because they're frozen. We've been sending everything we can for the first 2'/2 months now. Over half the water supply here has to go downstream. Entz: What have we sent so far now? About 30,000 AF. We're taking everything we can through. The system is already charged with previous high water levels. Importance of clearing headgates, clearing channels. 7. Presentation: Preparing for Potential Flood Conditions by Dr. Pete Magee, Alamosa County Emergency Manager Spoke of preparations for low lying areas. Flooding happens mostly due to rain, not snowmelt, but this year maybe different. There will be a meeting at Rio Grande County Annex in Del Norte 6 PM March 12. CWCB tells people if you're worried about flooding, then get insurance, and get prepared. Get your supplies, know what you're going to do. Livestock, pets, plan for them. We've got sand and sandbags, deployment spots are already picked out. Alamosa City is working with us to get a plan; Red Cross, shelters for 1,500 people identified. Regionally all other counties are doing the same thing. Contact your county emergency manager. Mineral County it's Bill Fairchild; Matthew Valdez in Costilla. Call Pete for details at 587-0286. Law enforcement does not want to be in the rescue business. Continuing to identify availability of heavy equipment. Doug: since `85 there's been a lot of changes on the river. The bridges have aggregated. The `02 drought killed a lot of trees and when they start floating it will cause problems if they hit the bridge. If you have a bunch of dead trees take the time now to burn them. It's going to be hard for Page 4 of 5