Application of Town of Silverthorn RICD January 2005

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SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE The purpose of this engineering report is to provide the engineering basis for flow rates requested in the application for water right under the State of Colorado's Recreational In- Channel Diversion (RICD) program. The Town of Silverthome (Town) is planning to construct a boating course on the Blue River (River) on the reach just downstream of the Dillon Reservoir. The course will consist of three control structures, spaced approximately 100 to150 feet apart. The course will create recreational experience consisting of watercraft passage under low flows and whitewater kayaking at higher flow. SECTION 2 BLUE RIVER WHITEWATER COURSE General The whitewater park shall be located on the reach of the Blue River, just downstream of the point where the River passes under the Wilderness Road Bridge and extending approximately 400 feet downstream towards the bridge where Colorado Highway 9 crosses the River. Figures A -1 and A -2 show the approximate location of the course and structures. The course will be located downstream of Dillon Reservoir. At this point in the Blue River, the flow rate is almost entirely controlled by the flow release from the reservoir, with additions from the unregulated flows from Straight Creek and Lick Gulch. This reach of the Blue River was chosen because it has several features that make it a suitable candidate for creation of a whitewater park. There is adequate drop in this reach to place up to three structures at a spacing distance of 100 to 200 feet. There are no existing structures or improvements that would be impacted. There is adequate access by an existing bike path. Work in this reach would not adversely impact existing activities in the river, such as fishing. Conversely, the course will be designed to enhance the fishing habitat quality. This reach of the River is a gold medal trout fishery and is already the subject of a Colorado Water Conservation Board minimum stream flow, consisting of 55, 52, and 50 cfs, from the confluence with Straight Creek to the confluence of Willow Creek, during the periods May 1 to July 31, August 1 to September 30, and October 1 to April 30, respectively. Daylight hours shall be from 7:00 am until 8:00 pm each day. Requested Flow Rates The flow rates requested fall into two categories, low flows (100 cfs) for watercraft passage and high flows (600 cfs) for whitewater kayaking experiences. The low -flow CADocuments and SettingsWRichards\Local Settings\'remporary Internet Files \OLK722\RICD Eng Report (3).doc