SPDSS_Task5_KeyStructure_MichiganDitch

• Title: SPDSS Task 5 - Key Structure, Michigan Ditch
• Description: The Michigan Ditch has been identified as a key structure for the South Platte Decision Support System ‎(SPDSS)‎ consumptive use and surface water modeling efforts. The purpose of this Task 5 memorandum is to document physical, legal, and operational aspects of those key structures identified.
• Decision Support - Doc Type: Task Memorandum
• Date: 4/6/2004
• 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

3. The amount of total water exported from the North Platte River in Colorado is
limited to 60,000 acre-feet per year on average during any 10-year period.
Transmountain exports from the North Platte into Water District 3 include
Cameron Pass Ditch and Michigan Ditch.
Case No. W-9322-78 is an intricate decree filed by the City of Fort Collins, Platte River
Power Authority, and Water Supply and Storage Company concerning the use and reuse
of "new foreign waters" and "newly captured in-basin waters". With respect to the City
of Fort Collins and Michigan Ditch, those waters imported through the ditch in excess of
an average of 1,000 acre-feet of water per year are considered foreign waters and are
subject to reuse. Alternatively, if the first 1,000 acre-feet diverted is used as reusable
water, 550 acre-feet of reusable water must be provided to the Cache la Poudre River
from another source.
OPERATIONAL INFORMATION
Michigan Ditch diverts water year round. During the winter months, flow through the ditch is
minimal. The peak discharge occurs in June or early July and the flow tapers off in September.
Michigan Ditch does not interact with any other transmountain diversions. Water diverted
through Michigan Ditch is generally stored in Joe Wright Reservoir or Chambers Lake and
released on an as needed basis.
Where to find more information
^ Specifics relating to the data collection and filling processes used in the determination of
the best source of data are presented in the SPDSS Task 4 Memorandum -Identify and
Fill/Resolve Conflicting Records for Key Transmountain Diversion Structures.
^ Additional information on ditch and reservoir operations within Water District 3 is
presented in the Water District 3 Meeting Notes prepared for SPDSS Task 3 -Identify
Key Diversion Structures.
^ Additional information regarding the operating practices for the City of Fort Collins is
presented in the City of Fort Collins System Memorandum prepared for the SPDSS Task
5 -Key Structures.
COMMENTS AND CONCERNS
None.
REFERENCES
1. Colorado Water Resources & Power Development Authority. 1987. Cache la Poudre Basin
Study.
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