7884

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7884
• Author: Hydrosphere Resource Consultants.
• Title: Reconnaissance Evaluation of Yampa River Diversion Structures.
• USFW Year: 1995.
• USFW - Doc Type: Boulder, CO.
• Copyright Material: NO

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HYDROSPHERE
Resource Consultants
Mr. Roland C. Fischer
Executive Director
Colorado River Water Conservation District
201 Centennial Street, Suite 204
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
I Dear Mr. Fischer:
March 31, 1995
We are pleased to submit herewith our final report documenting the Reconnaissance
Evaluation of Yampa River Diversion Structures.
The evaluation considered mainstem diversion structures between river mile 53
(approximately the Little Snake confluence) and river mile 179 (approximately the settlement
of Mt. Harris). Our objective was to describe, in a preliminary way, the hydraulic and
environmental characteristics of these structures, particularly as they relate to local habitat
disturbance and navigation by migrating fish and watercraft. Such descriptions are a
fundamental first step in determining the extent to which diversion structures, and the
maintenance thereof, are problematic and deserving of consideration for improvement.
Our evaluation indicated that most diversions in this reach present little or no obstacle to
migrating fish or watercraft, though some exhibit chronic maintenance problems and have
potentially adverse effects on local riparian habitat. A few structures do appear to present
potential obstacles to fish and watercraft passage, especially under lower flow conditions. Our
report suggests some possible strategies for improving conditions at these structures and
outlines some additional studies needed to support future decision-making.
We would like to acknowledge the excellent guidance provided to us in this effort by the
District's Project Manager, Mr. Ray Tenney. We also obtained invaluable assistance from our
subcontractors, Doug Laiho of Muller Engineering and Bill Miller of Miller Ecological
' Consultants, and from local water users and water administration officials.
We have enjoyed our involvement in this interesting and important work and look
forward to assisting the District in its future activities related to Yampa River basin water
management.
Sincerely,
Hydrosphere
b
y.
Charles M. Brendecke, PhD, PE
President
Policy Analysis I Engineering r Economics - Information Systems
1002 Walnut, Suite 200 Boulder, Colorado 80302 [phone] Tele Fax [phone]