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<br />Table 2 shows that the summer recommendation of 1.8 cfs is available for the month of July <br />only. The summer and winter flow recommendations were further reduced to 0.40 cfs for the <br />time period of July I" through April 31" based on limited water availability. <br /> <br />Precipitation Data <br />Staff reviewed local precipitation data sets from 2 different sites located around the Bitter Creek <br />Drainage (see Precipitation Data in Appendix C). These sites include Fruita and Colorado <br />National Monument. Table 3 shows the water year and the percent of average precipitation <br />recorded at each site. <br /> <br />Table 3: Precipitation Data as a percentage of Average. <br />Fruita <br />% Averaae <br />89% <br />97% <br />70% <br />77% <br />103% <br />87% <br /> <br />1974 <br />1975 <br />1976 <br />1977 <br />1978 <br />Total <br /> <br />CO Monument <br />% Averaae <br />No Data <br />No Data <br />55% <br />87% <br />104% <br />82% <br /> <br />Table 3 shows a slight variation of precipitation between the two precipitation sites. It is staffs <br />opinion that the 4 years of stream-flow data analyzed is representative of slightly below average <br />water-years. <br /> <br />Existing Water Right Information <br /> <br />Staff has analyzed the water rights tabulation and consulted with the Division Engineer Office to <br />identify any potential water availability problems. There are no decreed surface diversions within <br />this reach of stream. Based on this analysis staff has determined that water is available for <br />appropriation on Bitter Creek, from its headwaters to the CO - UT Stateline, to preserve the <br />natural environment to a reasonable degree without limiting or foreclosing the exercise of valid <br />existing water rights. <br /> <br />CWCB Staffs Instream Flow Recommendation <br />Staff recommends the Board form its intent to appropriate on the following stream reach: <br /> <br />SeQment: headwaters to Colorado-Utah Stateline <br /> <br />Upper Terminus: headwaters at <br />(Latitude 390 34' 45") (Longitude 108059' 43") <br />Lower Terminus: Colorado-Utah Stateline at <br />(Latitude 390 30' 59") (Longitude 109003' 03") <br />Counties: Garfield <br />Length: 5.8 miles <br />USGS Quad(s): Baxter Pass, Rat Hole Ridge <br />Flow Recommendation: 1.80 cfs (June 1st - June 30th) <br />0.40 cfs (July 1st - May 31") <br /> <br />Bitter_Creek_ISF _RPT_ vLdoc <br /> <br />- 5 - <br />