9604

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9604
• Author: Montgomery Watson.
• Title: Yampa River Basin Small Reservoir Study - Final.
• USFW Year: 2000.
• USFW - Doc Type: Steamboat Springs, CO.
• Copyright Material: NO

I

Febrnary 2000

CR weD " Yam:pa Riu:r Basin Small Re;erJJ1Y study "Page * 24

I

3.3.3 Middle Yampa River

I

The Middle Yampa River (Middle Yampa) is located in Routt County and stretches from the
confluence with the Elk River downstream to the confluence with Elkhead Creek. Figure 2 shows the
drainage in relation to the overall basin. The drainage includes all of Water District 57. Significant
tributary streams include Trout Creek, Fish Creek, Grassy Creek, Sage Creek and Dry Creek, as
shown on Figure 3. All of these streams drain the southern portion of District 57.

I

3.3.3.1 Potential Sites in the Middle Yampa River Drainage

I

Trout Creek, Fish Creek, and the mainstem Yampa River all support significant irrigated acreage. Dry
Creek contains limited existing irrigated lands and is typically administered (A. Schaffner, personal
communication, 1999). However, there appears to be significant opportunities to increase the acreage
of irrigated land in the drainage. Fish Creek, Grassy Creek, Dry Creek and Breeze Basin all appear to
have land suitable for irrigated agriculture. Some of this land was historically irrigated, but water-
supply limitations and land use changes have caused these lands to become inactive. Trout Creek,
Fish Creek, and Dry Creek watersheds contain lands that are owned or leased by several coal
companies. The coal companies have not indicated that they are interested in promoting irrigated
agriculture on their lands.

I

I

I

Approximately ten potential small reservoir sites were identified in the Middle Yampa drainage.
These sites were identified in previous studies, recommended as a possibility by Division 6 staff, or
identified during the map reconnaissance. Table 7, Potential Small Reserwir Opportunities in the Middle
Yampa Riu?r Draina'if!, presents the streams and potential reservoir sites in the Middle Yampa and
summarizes the results of the detailed screening process.

I

I

3.3.3.2 Middle Yampa River Drainage Sites Retained for Future Consideration

I

Of the original nine potential sites identified in the Middle Yampa drainage, three potential reservoir
sites appear to warrant further examination. These sites were retained based on existing and potential
future agriculture opportunities, recreational opportunities and indications that another parry could be
willing to provide construction funding or in-kind services. The three sites are:

I

. Dunckley Park

. Sage Creek Reservoir
. Basin Reservoir

I

The locations of these potential small reservoir sites are shown on Figure 7, Potential Sites in the Middle
Yampa Riu?r Study A rea.

I

3.3.4 lower Yampa River

I

The Lower Yampa River (Lower Yampa) is located in Moffat County and stretches from the
confluence with Elkhead Creek downstream to the confluence with the Green River. Figure 2 shows
the drainage in relation to the overall Yampa River basin. The Williams Fork River and Little Snake
River, while tributary to the Lower Yampa, are discussed separately. The drainage includes all of
Water District 44 with the exception of the Williams Fork River drainage. Major tributary streams
include Elkhead Creek, Fortification Creek, Milk Creek and Lay Creek, as shown on Figure 3.

I

I

I

MontgJnery Watson Mining Group '* Po. &x 774018 '* St.edJ?7bJat Springs, CoIarado 80477'* [phone]

I W'WP/0J5/SmaII R=ur SaJj([h4i Rp<. /2-27-99)
/2/17/99SLW