BOARD00471

• Board Meeting Date: 7/13/1998
• Description: CF Section - Changes in Existing Projects - Leroux Creek Water Users Association - Carl Smith Reservoir Dam Rehabilitation
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

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Colorado Water Conservation Board
Department of Natural Resources
721 Centennial Building
1313 Sherman Street
Denver, Colorado 80203
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]

STATE OF COLORl\DO

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Roy Romer
Covernm
l<lmes S. Lochhead
Executive Director, DNR
Oaries C. lile, P.E.
Director, eWeB
Peter H. Evans
Acting Director, ewes

MEMORANDUM

TO:

Colorado Water Conservation Board Members
~~. _"/(",,
Bill Stanton'and John Van Scivel:.iWL--'

FROM:

DATE:

July 7,1998

SUBJECT: Agenda Item 16c, July 13-14, 1998 Board Meeting
Leroux Creek Water Users Association - Carl Smith Reservoir Dam
. Rehabilitation

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Introduction

Carl Smith Reservoir Dam located in Delta County about 15 miles north of Hotchkiss,
failed unexpectedly on May 2,1998 releasing 500 acre-feet of water down Leroux Creek,
tributary to the North Fork of the Gunnison River. One house was flooded and 41 sheep
were killed. The flood also damaged several small bridges, diversion structures and
headgates. Total damages to downstream water users and properties are being
determined.

The reservoir is owned by the Leroux Creek Water Users Association (LCWUA), which
was not carrying insurance on the reservoir at the time of failure. An application was
received on July 6, 1998 for financial assistance to evaluate the feasibility of repairing
,and/or rehabilitating the dam.

Background

The LCWUA was incorporated in the State of Colorado in 1948. A copy of the Articles
ofIncorporation and the Bylaws has been submitted to the CWCB. The LCWUA
provides irrigation water through diversion structures and canals, to about 100 actual