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DRAFT <br /> HELTON &WILL1AMSEN, P.C. <br /> CONSULTING ENGINEERS IN WATER RESOURCES <br /> 384 INVERNESS PARKWAY, SUITE 144 <br /> ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80112-5822 <br /> PHONE(303)792-2161 <br /> FAX(303)792-2165 <br /> October 16, 2003 <br /> Mr. Travis Smith, Superintendent <br /> San Luis Valley Irrigation District <br /> P.O. Box 637 <br /> Center, Colorado 81125 <br /> Subject: Water Available to a Potential Rio Grande Reservoir Enlargement <br /> Dear Travis: <br /> This report presents the results of our investigation of the water that would be available <br /> for storage and regulation in an enlargement of Rio Grande Reservoir. We understand that the <br /> San Luis Valley Irrigation District needs the results of this analysis for its consideration of the <br /> feasibility of such an enlargement. Specifically, our investigation covered (1) water that would be <br /> available for storage in the potential reservoir enlargement under the Rio Grande Compact and <br /> the terms and conditions imposed on post-compact water rights in the "Tres Rios" decree, (2) <br /> water that could be regulated in the reservoir enlargement for compact purposes, and (3) water <br /> that could be regulated under the direct flow storage rights held by the District, Rio Grande <br /> Canal Water Users Association, and Commonwealth Irrigation Company. As explained later, we <br /> used water years 1946-2002 for analysis because of the availability of data for the historical <br /> reservoir contents. Our general reasoning in this investigation was that water would be available <br /> for the reservoir enlargement only when the existing reservoir filled historically or would have <br /> filled under the current approach to administration for compliance with the Rio Grande Compact. <br /> In addition to the results of our calculations, this report presents some background on <br /> Rio Grande Reservoir, the Rio Grande Compact and the administration thereunder, and the <br /> Tres Rios decree which was entered in Case No. 91CW29. <br /> RIO GRANDE RESERVOIR BACKGROUND <br /> Rio Grande Reservoir is owned and operated by the San Luis Valley Irrigation District. It <br /> is located on the mainstem of the Rio Grande in Hinsdale County, approximately 20 miles <br /> southwest of Creede as shown in Figure 1. It is situated at an elevation of 9,449 feet and <br />