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upon to help meet water demands. Return flows occur at numerous points along Culebra Creek <br />and its tributaries and are re-diverted by downstream ditches. <br />Within the upper reach of Culebra Creek, return flows tend to be very quick. Water applied to <br />farms above the Chama gage on Culebra Creek tend to return to the river within one to two days <br />Within the middle reach of Culebra Creek, return flow water that shows up at the San Luis gage <br />are generally derived from applications between the Culebra-Sanchez canal and the confluence <br />with Ventero Creek. There returns tend to be somewhat slower than those experienced on the <br />upper reach of Culebra Creek. <br />Downstream of the Culebra-Sanchez Canal, returns flows are relied upon heavily to help satisfy <br />water rights. In addition, some portion of return flows are captured by downstream ditches prior <br />to reaching the creek. For example, return flows from irrigation by the San Luis People's Ditch <br />are captured by the Francisco Sanchez Ditch. The result is that the Francisco Ditch does not <br />divert as much water from the river, which then becomes available for other users. <br />River Gains and Losses <br />Aside from return flows described above, the District Commissioner described large gains <br />occurring to Culebra Creek near the Town of San Luis. These gains are apparently largest during <br />the winter months. There are additional gains, although somewhat less, between the San Luis <br />gage and the Old San Acacio gage. The Water Commissioner has found that his administration is <br />most effective if he can anticipate and rely on gains and return flows. <br />Comments and Concerns <br />None <br />Attachments <br />1. Straight Line Diagram <br />2. List of Direct Flow Structures and Storage Structures <br />3. Water Right Call Sheet for District 24 <br />4. Costilla Creek Compact <br />C:Acdss\D24 Mem.doc District 24 Interview July 2, 1999 -Page 7 of 7 <br />