PUB00071

• Year: 1994
• Title: Small Dam Site Reconnaissance Study - Evaluation of Prospect Dam and Reservoir
• CWCB Section: Finance
• Author: Harris Water Engineering, Inc.
• Description: Identify and evaluate dam sites at a recon leval, dam sites to fill a need for raw water storage
• Publications - Doc Type: Tech Report

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RECOMMENDATIONS

The followings steps are recommended to enlarge the Red Mesa Dam:

1. The Red Mesa Reservoir and Ditch Company stock holders must
decide if an annual payment of about $75,000 can be paid for the
increased storage, the payment must be made regardless if water is
available. To assist in making this decision the Company Board can
evaluate the need for augmentation water and the potential income
from selling the water. The possible State Engineer requirement to
enlarge the spillway and replace the outlet gate should also be
factored into the decision. If not, no further work is necessary;
if yes continue. Soonest winter of 1994.

2. Apply for feasibility study funds from the CWCB to prepare
detailed engineering evaluations of the enlargement. If the
feasibility study funds are provided by the CWCB to evaluate the
enlargement, it should be with the intent to provide a construction
loan at reduced terms (e.g. 2% for 40 years). Soonest spring of
1994.

3. The feasibility study is suggested to evaluate the: water
supply; demand for augmentation water; spillway sizing based on the
PMP; various enlargement options based on supply, demand and
spillway size; plans to obtain land for the enlargement;
environmental compliance requirements; plans and cost to repair the
existing dam with a new spillway and outlet gate; and if feasible
develop an enlargement plan with costs. The water supply is a
complicated evaluation because of the LaPlata River Compact and
availability of winter flows. Even though the reservoir cost per
acre-foot decreases as the reservoir size increases, a smaller
reservoir may be advantageous because of the water supply. If an
enlargement is found to be infeasible, it is recommended that the
study costs be forgiven. Soonest is summer of 1994.

4. Assuming the enlargement is feasible, apply for CWCB
construction funding. Once construction funding is available,
prepare plans and specifications for the enlarged dam and
simul taneously prepare the environmental compliance documents (e. g.
404 permit). Soonest summer fall of 1995.

5. Assuming the plans
environmental permits are
Soonest summer of 1996.

and specifications are approved, and
approved; construct the enlargement.

Red Mesa Dam

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