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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES <br />DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES <br />Bill Ritter, Jr <br />Governor <br />Harns D. Sherman <br />Execut�ve Director <br />Dick Wolfe, P.E <br />Director/State Eng�neer <br />June 1, 2009 <br />Mr. Tracy Kester <br />Trinchera Irrigation Co. <br />P.O. Box 41 <br />Blanca, CO 81123 <br />CERTIFIED NO: 7004 0550 0001 0702 6557 <br />When replying, please refer to: <br />SMITH DAM <br />Water Division 3, DAMID: 350103 <br />RE: STORAGE RESTRICTION TO GAGE HEIGHT 26.5' <br />Dear Mr. Kester: <br />On April 22, 2009, the above referenced structure was inspected in accordance with Section 37-87- <br />107, C.R.S. (1991 Repl. Vol.), which relates to the safety of dams. This statute assigns to the State <br />Engineer the responsibility for the determination of the safe storage level for the reservoirs within <br />this state. A copy of the inspection report was previously transmitted to you by the inspecting <br />engineer, for your information and use. <br />The inspection report describes conditions which are considered to threaten the safety of the dam <br />and which could potentially lead to its failure if the reservoir is operated at full storage. <br />Specifically, excessive damage to upstream slope has resulted in a condition where the core or the <br />dam is unprotected from additional wave damage. The deterioration of the riprap protection on the <br />upstream slope was identified as a maintenance item requiring action as a Condition of Full Storage <br />in the 2008 inspection report. As of spring 2009, the item was unaddressed; consequently the <br />upstream slope sustained considerable damage during a high wind event. Based on the current <br />condition and the potentia] for damage to the seepage control portion of the embankment (core), the <br />reservoir is hereby restricted to a level2 feet below the emergency spillway crest (Gage Height <br />26.5') resulting in a loss of water storage of approximately of 1,100 acre-feet. <br />Office of the State Engineer <br />1313 Sherman Street, Suite 818 • Denver, CO 80203 • Phone: 303-866-3581 • Fax: 303-866-3589 <br />w ww. wa te r. sta te, co. u s <br />