SPDSS_Task1_Research-ID-StudyPeriod

• Title: SPDSS Task 1 - Research and Identify Appropriate Study Period
• Description: The objective of this task was to verify or refine the recommended study period as follows: 1. Review the availability and reliability of digitized data required for the development of DSS components; 2. Determine that the period includes wet, dry, and average periods; represents the long-term average hydrology of the basin; and allows for cost-effective modeling efforts; 3. Document study periods used in other modeling efforts in the South Platte Basin.
• Decision Support - Doc Type: Task Memorandum
• Date: 10/26/2003
• DSS Category: Surface Water
• DSS: South Platte
• Basin: South Platte
• Contract/PO #: C153954
• Grant Type: Non-Reimbursable
• Bill Number: SB01-157, HB02-1152, SB03-110, HB04-1221, SB05-084, HB06-1313, SB07-122
• Prepared By: Leonard Rice Engineering

Based on the SPDSS FS and additional review of diversion records stored in HydroBase,
it was determined that the availability of data is limited for the period 1950 through the
mid-1970s and adequate from the mid-1970s to present. Considerable data filling of
minor structures will be necessary to model 100 percent of historic diversions throughout
the recommended 1950 through present study period. Major structures defined as "key"
for modeling efforts are more complete for most Water Districts in the SPDSS study area,
and will require minor filling. Note that digitized diversion records for structures in
Water Districts 80 (North Fork of the South Platte), 76 (Sand Creek), and 48 (Laramie
River) begin in 1973, therefore will required filling from 1950 through 1973.
Transbasin Diversion Records
An assessment of available transbasin diversion records in the South Platte, North Platte,
and Laramie River basins was performed in the SPDSS FS. The assessment found that
records for many of the 19 transbasin diversions to the South Platte River basin included
in HydroBase are incomplete during the period prior to 1972, although most are complete
from 1973 through 2002. In addition, conflicting records resulting from multiple sources
of data including, but not limited to, the owner of the transbasin diversions, DWR, and
USGS must be resolved. Therefore, missing data will be filled and conflicting records
resolved before transbasin diversion records are considered complete.
Reservoir Records
An assessment of available reservoir content and operational information in the South
Platte, North Platte, and Laramie River basins was performed in the SPDSS FS. The
assessment of reservoir records found that of the data sources required for the surface
water component of the SPDSS, the reservoir data are the most incomplete. HydroBase
has very limited information concerning historical storage records, reservoir inflows,
reservoir releases, maximum storage capacity, dead storage and stage area-capacity
information. Therefore, this information is scheduled to be collected along with
operational information under SPDSS data collection tasks. Data sources for this
information include the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the USGS, and reservoir owners
and operators such as Denver and Aurora. Based on similar efforts during CRDSS and
RGDSS data collection, it is expected that although major reservoir data will be sparse
prior to the mid-1970s, with the additional collection and filling efforts, it should be
adequate from 1950 to present.
Climate Records
An assessment of available climate data in the South Platte, North Platte, and Laramie
River basins was performed in the SPDSS FS. The assessment of climate data found that
existing climate stations provide good coverage for precipitation and temperature from
1950 to present.
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