4-02CW271 Supplemental Data

• Case Number: 02CW0271
• Stream Name: La Sal Creek
• Watershed: Gunnison
• Water Division: 4
• Water District: 61
• County: Montrose
• Instream Flow App - Doc Type: Supplemental Data

Precipitation Data
Staff reviewed local precipitation data sets from 4 different sites located around the Roc Creek
Drainage (see Precipitation Data in Appendix C). These sites include Paradox 2 SE (1941-
1977), Gatway 4 NE (1947- 1999), Delta (1893 -1999) and Montrose #2 (1885- 1999). Table 4
shows the water year and the percent of average precipitation recorded at each site.
Table 4: Precipitation Data as a percentage of Average.
Water Year
Paradox 2 SE
Gateway 4 NE
Delta
Montrose #2
1944
84%
?
114%
109%
1945
97%
?
99%
86%
1946
81%
?
135%
95%
1947
103%
?
130%
131%
1948
?
?
135%
110%
1949
126%
117%
96%
88%
1950
42%
67%
63%
71%
1951
80%
95%
58%
61%
1952
108%
89%
92%
101%
Table 4 shows the a slight variation of precipitation between the four relatively close
precipitation sites, the 1950 -51 water -year was well below average for both sites, the 1948 -49
water -year was above average for both sites. It is staff's opinion that the eight years of stream -
flow data analyzed is representative of average to slightly below average water - years.
Existing Water Right Information
Staff has analyzed the water rights tabulation and consulted with the Division Engineer Office to
identify any potential water availability problems. There are several decreed surface diversions
within this reach of stream. These diversions could have the potential to dry up La Sal Creek in
some segments. Based on this analysis staff has determined that water is available for
appropriation on La Sal Creek, between the Colorado -Utah stateline and the Dolores River, to
preserve the natural environment to a reasonable degree without limiting or foreclosing the
exercise of valid existing water rights.
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