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<br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />During an operating season the New Cache La Poudre System operates in the following <br />manner. As flows begin to rise on the Poudre in the spring, senior decrees are maintained <br />below the diversion. As much river flow is diverted into Fossil Creek Reservoir as possible, <br />Fossil Creek acts as an "equalizer structure" to contain peak flows. As flows continue to <br />increase, NCLPIC begins diverting flows into their canal. When flows exceed the capacity of <br />their canal, the gates on the structure are opened to pass water downstream. <br /> <br />The canal flows through Windsor Lake, which acts as an equalizer basin and provides for <br />more constant flows downstream of the lake. The Company continues to use their direct <br />diversion rights as long as possible. This typically lasts about seven weeks, ending in late <br />June. At that time, the Company begins releasing water from the reservoirs. These include <br />Timnath Reservoir, Fossil Creek Reservoir, and Windsor Reservoir. Agreements for renting <br />water are made with The North Poudre Irrigation Company for Fossil Creek and with <br />Larimer-Weld for Windsor Reservoir. <br /> <br />The existing gated structure is operated by adjusting the gate on the dam to provide for a <br />desired upstream pool level that allows water to be diverted into the main canal at a sufficient <br />head. At higher flows and during flood stages, all of the gates would be opened to pass the <br />maximum amount of water. As flows decrease, the small gates would close to maintain the <br />upstream pool. Downstream flow rates are controlled by adjusting the sand gate. The River <br />Commissioner reports to the ditch rider what "height" is needed at the gauging station <br />downstream. The ditch rider then adjusts the sand gate to meet those flows. If more water is <br />in the river than is required downstream, then the main canal gates are opened more to deliver <br />water into the ditch. This adjustment is done on a daily basis in response to changes in the <br />river flow. <br /> <br />3. ProDosed ImDrovements. In order to restore the diversion structure to full utilization, it is <br />necessary to remove and reconstruct the structure or repair major portions of the structure. <br /> <br />The existing structure needs a cutoff to stop the flow of water beneath the structure. A <br />downstream erosion control apron is necessary to prevent erosion below the structure. <br />Furthermore, the piers and base slab need major structural repair to ensure long-term use and <br />stability of the structure. <br /> <br />A new structure would eliminate the potential deficiencies posed by the existing structure. <br />The proposed structure would include an uncontrolled discharge spillway with an enlarged <br />sand gate. The new structure could reduce the problems caused by floating debris by <br />eliminating the individual gate bays and the walkway platform which cause most of the <br />accumulation. The large number of gates is not required to control the pool level, and they <br />could be eliminated. In addition to an extended life of the structure, this would eliminate <br />future maintenance costs. <br /> <br />A more detailed description of the proposed improvements, alternatives, and structural plans is <br />included in Article A. 7. of this chapter. <br /> <br />PAGE 3 _ Cbapterv <br />