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CHAPTER V STORAGE ALTERNATIVES There were 953 entries which met the above criteria. For reservoirs with multiple decrees, the decreed amounts were added together and the data base was modified to show one entry per structure with the aggregate storage decree. Adding the decrees may be inappropriate if the multiple list is a refill decree but since it is not possible to determine if the decree is for refill or enlargement, it was felt this approach would select the largest number of reservoirs. In addition, since refill decrees increase the consumptive use of the water released from the reservoir, adding the decrees may be more accurate than only considering the actual reservoir size. After eliminating the duplicate structures from the data base, there were 842 structures remaining. The Recovery Program Water Acquisition Committee has developed a 2,000 AF minimum storage guideline for evaluating the viability of purchasing water from upstream reservoirs. The 22 reservoirs which met this additional criterion are listed in table 6. The reservoirs listed in table 6 represent 94 percent of the decreed storage of the 842 reservoirs. Current Usage of Selected Reservoirs In evaluating the potential of obtaining storage water from these reservoirs, it was necessary to consider the purpose of each reservoir. All of the Colorado Big Thompson (CBT), Dillon, and Fryingpan-Arkansas Project Reservoirs were constructed as part of an effort to capture West Slope water and divert it east. These reservoirs include Granby, Dillon, Willow Creek, and Shadow Mountain. Green Mountain and Ruedi Reservoirs were constructed as compensatory storage for projects which divert water from the western slope. Ruedi Reservoir has been committed to deliver 5,000 AF/year to maintain flows in the Reach. In addition, through changes in the operation of Ruedi Reservoir, an additional 5,000 AF of water will be available to the Reach on an average of at least 4 out of 5 years. Green Mountain Reservoir (GMR) does not deliver water specifically for the Reach, but as was discussed in the description of the operation of the Orchard Mesa check, it does indirectly provide water to the Reach by fulfilling delivery requirements to the irrigation diversions in the Grand Valley. The Williams Fork Reservoir was constructed to replace depletions caused by the Moffat Tunnel diversions and provides an exchange mechanism which allows Dillon Reservoir to fill out of priority. Vega, Cottonwood Lakes No. 1, and Big Creek Reservoirs are part of Reclamation's Collbran Project. Vega was constructed with Federal funds while Cottonwood No.1 and Big Creek Reservoirs were privately constructed and contractually tied to the operation of the project. The project is operated by Reclamation. Rifle Gap Reservoir and Grass Valley Reservoir (a.k.a. Harvey Gap Reservoir) are part of Reclamation's Silt Project. Rifle Gap was constructed with Federal funds while Harvey Gap was privately constructed. The Silt Project is operated by the Silt Water Conservancy District. 34