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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES <br />DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES <br />Bill Ritter, Jr. <br />Govemor <br />Harris D. Sherman <br />ExecuHve Director <br />Duk Wo1fe, P.E <br />Director/State Engineer <br />Craig Cotten <br />Division Engineer <br />April 28, 2009 <br />Mr. Tracy Kester <br />Trinchera Irrigation Co. <br />P.O. Box 41 <br />Blanca, CO 81123 <br />When replying, please refer to: <br />SMITH DAM <br />W. Div. 3, DAMID: 350103 <br />Dear Tracy: <br />On April 22, 2009, I performed a dam safety inspection for the above referenced structure in accordance with <br />Section 37-87-107, C.R.S. (1991 Repl. Vol.), which assigns the responsibility for the determination of the safe <br />storage level for the reservoirs within Colorado to the State Engineer. The enclosed inspection report <br />summarizes my findings during the inspection and identifies items requiring action by the owner to improve <br />the safety of the dam. <br />Due to the considerable wave erosion and cavities on the upstream slope, I have recommended a storage <br />restriction to 2 feet below the spillway crest. An official letter to that effect from the State Engineer will <br />follow. The current condition of the slope �s such that safe storage cannot be assured when the reservoir is full <br />to [he spillway crest. The scarping, lack of adequate riprap protection, and voids in the embankment are the <br />basis of the storage restriction. As we have discussed, you will need engineered plans and specifications for <br />the rehabilitation of the upstream slope. I have already been in contact with your engineer, Allen Davey, and it <br />is my understanding that you intend to address this deficiency in the fall, after the irrigation season, at wh�ch <br />time you will have the reservoir drawn down to perform maintenance and repairs to the upstream slide gate. <br />I have enclosed two copies of the inspection report. Please sign and date one copy and return it to this office. <br />The other copy is for your files and future reference. <br />If you have any questions conceming the report or any other dam safety related item, please call me at (970) <br />247-1845. <br />Sincerely, <br />� ` ��'_..�-�!-:�.� �,,. ���;_>._._.-:-: - - -- <br />�� �,_,..___...__ � <br />� <br />Matthew J. Gavin, P.E. <br />Dam Safety Field Engineer <br />Division 7, Durango <br />cc: Dam Safety Branch, Denver <br />Craig Cotten, Division Engineer (digital) <br />Bob Schultz, Water Commissioner, District 35 (digital) Enclosures <br />