Laserfiche WebLink
Interaction with Division 3 <br />While the District Commissioner is responsible for on-the-ground administration of water rights, <br />his efforts are directed and overseen by the Water Division 3 office. Daily diversion and storage <br />records are compiled by the Commissioner, then provided directly to the Division 3 office for <br />review and incorporation into the State's diversion record database.. <br />Interstate Compact Administration <br />Colorado's Rio Grande Compact with New Mexico generally does not affect District 35. This is <br />because the Trinchera Creek system was assumed to be fully developed agriculturally at the time <br />of the compact and because the other small creeks are not directly tributary. Under certain flow <br />conditions, however, Trinchera Creek can add to the lower Rio Grande Index. <br />Swing ("calling") Rights <br />The TIC internally manages the water supply above Smith Reservoir. Although several important <br />water rights are below Smith Reservoir, managing Reservoir releases eliminates the existence of <br />"swing" water rights in the basin. <br />Interaction with Water Users <br />As previously described, Commissioner interaction with water users is frequent, and discussions <br />with owners of the larger ditch systems typically occur on a daily basis. These discussions often <br />address stream flow rates and diversion plans. <br />Irrigation Techniques in the District <br />The TIC currently uses approximately 60% sprinkler and 40% flood irrigation methods on its <br />lands. The other irrigation diversions in the District (including Forbes) primarily use flood <br />irrigation. <br />Most of Division 3 has experienced a very significant movement toward use of sprinkler <br />application systems. This movement began in earnest some 20 years ago and continues where <br />applicable today. However, most smaller ditches, with rights between 1 and 10 cfs, utilize flood <br />irrigation techniques. <br />Cropping in the District <br />Cropping in District 35 consists of either hay or a mix of field crops including alfalfa, barley, <br />potatoes, and pasture. Forbes primarily irrigates high mountain meadows and some hay fields. <br />The TIC currently produces beer barley, potatoes and alfalfa. Cropping information is provided <br />by water users in the District on an annual basis and this information is recorded in the State's <br />database. <br />Return Flows <br />Return flows within District are not actively considered in management decisions by the District <br />35 Commissioner except as inflows to reservoirs. <br />C:Acdss\D35_Mem.doc District 35 Interview July 2, 1999 -Page 5 of 6 <br />