PUB00118

• Year: 2000
• Title: Arkansas River Water Needs Assessment
• CWCB Section: Interstate & Federal
• Author: Smith and Hill
• Description: Information and findings associated with the Arkansas River Water Needs Assessment study
• Publications - Doc Type: Historical

Arkansas River Water Needs Assessment - Section 1. Executive Summary

Water level needs for Clear Creek Reservoir are not
portrayed because typically there is not a signifi-
cant fluctuation of water levels at that reservoir.

Pueblo Reservoir Water level Preferences

Operations to satisfY water storage and water
delivety needs are significantly different at Pueblo
Reservoir than at Twin Lakes and Turquoise
Reservoirs. Instead of reaching its lowest water
elevation in late winter and maximum elevation in
July, Pueblo Reservoir typically reaches its lowest

elevation in early November and its maximum
elevation on approximately April 15. From April
15 to late October, the reservoir is gradually
drafted. Recognition of these operational parame-
ters, along with a longer growing season and year-
round recreational use, produces different water
level needs at Pueblo Reservoir. As a result, regard-
less of what plan of operations is implemented for
Pueblo Reservoir, water level needs for various
resource values will be in conflict during signifi-
cant portions of the year as shown in Table 1-4.

TABLE 1-4
Pueblo Reservoir
Summary of Water level Preferences to Support for Resource Values

Month Reference Points: Fisheries Boating Angling Wildlife Other
1982-1985 Needs Needs Needs and Needs
Reservoir Riparian
Operations Needs
(mean surface
elevation in feet)
November 4,850 Filling' Full as possible
December 4,857
January 4,862
February 4,865
March and
March 4,868 Gradual April filling
reservoir is
April 4,865 drafting' For safety and preferred
shore access, t
As maintain an For safety
May 4,864 Maintain or fill elevation of at Reach fu II and shore
+ full as least 4.860 to reservoir by access,
June 4,864 possible 4,880.5 feet; May 15_ maintain
however anglers , an
July 4,858 Start rapid drawdown prefer high elevation
on July 15 to reduce success rates. June, July, of at least
August 4,854 surface area by 10% so biology August-slight 4,860 to
to 20%; maintain needs must drawdown is 4,880.5
September 4,851 stable water levels be strongly permtible ~
from August 15 considered.
October 4.846 onward f f

* driven by water demand and weather

Top of Conservation Pool - 4,880.5 feet

Water Needed to Protect or Promote Critical Resource Values -1-19