BOARD00743

• Board Meeting Date: 11/25/2002
• Description: CF Section - Referred Non-Reimbursable Investments Gunnison Cooperative Study - Streamflow Transit Loss
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

e

e

e

Water Project Construction Program - Project Data

Applicant: Colorado Water Conservation Board

Project Name: USGS Gunnison River Streamflow Study

Project Type: Hydrologic Study

County: Mesa

Drainage Basin:
Gunnison

Water Source: N/A

Total Cost; $112,940

Funding Sources: CWCB,
USGS, USBR, UCRRIP

CWCB Investment: $59,460

Interest Rate: N/ A

Term: N/A

At the request of water users, water managers, and various federal and state agencies, the USGS will
conduct a hydrologic study of one reach of the Gunnison River that is vital for reservoir management,
planning and accounting, implementation of endangered species programs, and river administration
including compact issues. Gain/loss issues on this reach have been recognized but not studied in depth.
The increasing necessity of more efficient water resource management has prompted involved parties to
request a thorough investigation of gain/loss and other hydrologic issues affecting streamflow gage
readings in this reach.

The USGS requires matching funds from other entities to conduct the proposed study.

The USGS proposes a hydrologic study of the Gunnison River from USGS gage 09152500, Gunnison
River near Grand Junction (near Whitewater, CO) to the Redlands Diversion Dam including analysis of
historic streamflow and reservoir data and geologic and hydrologic features that may affect streamflow in
this area.

The goal is to provide a description of the quantity, timing and possible causes of streamflow gains/losses
observed at different flows and during different seasons to aid in efficient reservoir management and river
administration for the benefit of water users and to facilitate proper implementation of required
endangered species programs.