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Commissioner include a gage located on Kerber Creek, and several small east-side tributaries that <br />were recently equipped with measurement and recording (satellite) devices. <br />Direct Flow Water Rights and Ditch Capacity Issues <br />There are approximately 140 decreed surface water diversion points within District 25. The <br />administration of water rights in the District is challenging because of the many different water <br />sources that supply these structures. Included are several small diversions at points located <br />primarily on tributary streams. Diversions in the District are not characterized by a few very <br />large ditches, but rather numerous smaller structures diverting less than 10 cfs. A straight-line <br />diagram for water rights on several of the creeks in the District is provided as Attachment 1. <br />Most diversion structures in District 25 are equipped with measuring devices. The majority of the <br />devices consist of Parshall flumes of various sizes. Use of direct flow rights typically occurs <br />during the period April 1 through October 31. However, variations in climatic conditions may <br />often result in minor extension or shortening of this "irrigation season." Diversion on many of <br />the smaller tributaries within the District are provided by the water users, and administration by <br />the Commissioner consists primarily of diversion record keeping. <br />Discussions with the District 25 Commissioner consisted mainly of reviewing all water sources in <br />the District, their significant water rights, and important administrative features or characteristics. <br />Following is a summary of key points made during these discussions. The summary is organized <br />geographically, beginning with creeks furthest to the south and east, the proceeding north and to <br />the west. <br />Deadman Creek, Cottonwood Creek, Spanish Creek, and Willow Creek <br />These creeks flow into and are used on the area known as the Baca Ranch. Each of these creeks <br />may run in excess of 100 cfs for a short time during peak runoff, but taper off to less than 5 cfs <br />during most the winter. All diversions on these creeks are equipped with 6-foot Parshall flumes. <br />Commissioner typically makes one or two observations per week during the irrigation season. <br />South Crestone Creek, North Crestone Creek <br />These creeks flow west towards Rock Creek north of the Baca Ranch. Most of the water rights <br />on North Crestone are owned by the Baca Ranch, although there are a few owned by others at <br />upstream diversion points. While a few water rights exist upstream of Administration on these <br />creeks is primarily record keeping. <br />San Isabel Creek <br />Flows from San Isabel Creek typically peak earlier in the year than other tributaries. This creeks <br />is also smaller, with peak flows averaging 40 to 50 cfs and high flows in excess of 100 cfs. Base <br />flows for the remainder of the year are on the order of 20 cfs or less after runoff. <br />Rito Alto Creek <br />Water rights off of Rito Alto Creek are owned by four different ranches. Rito Alto is one of the <br />more significant creeks draining the west side of the Sange de Cristo Range into the San Luis <br />Valley. The creek typically peaks in excess of 100 cfs each year, then drop to less than 10 cfs <br />after runoff. Flow may be non-existent during the winter months. Flows from Rito Alto <br />periodically reach San Luis Creek during peak runoff. <br />C:Acdss\D25_Mem.doc District 25 Interview July 2, 1999 -Page 3 of 9 <br />