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I I I I I I I I I I I I Mr. Robert E. Warner, 3 July 1972 Page 3 Conditional decrees have been granted on September I, 1960, with appropriation dates of July 6, 1959, for Juniper Reservoir (844,294 acre-feet), JunIper Power Plant penstock (1,000 cfs), and the Deadman Bench Canal (550 cfs). Construction of this project would significantly affect storage in Elkhead Creek Reservoir, especially in a series of dry years when the various storage rights were compet- ing for the available water. 10. Other major potential water projects in the Yampa River basin, if constructed, would deplete the physical flow to the Juniper project and thus cause water calls to come up Elkhead Creek and affect storage in the reservoir. Projects such as the 4-Counties project, Yellow Jacket project, and Bear Reservoir have the poten- tial of decreasing the upstream physical supply. II. The Colorado River Compact could also affect storage in Elkhead Creek Reser- voir. Presently, the Compact water commitments to the lower basin states are being met so that Colorado water rights are not being affected. In the future, this will not be true. It is very difficult to predict when Colorado water rights will be affected; however, present estimates vary from 20 to 50 years from now. It is quite I ikely that the junior priority of Elkhead Creek Reservoir would be affected when the Compact restrictions are imposed. 12. Since the Elkhead Creek Reservoir would be used for emergency storage, the water level would be maintained at a maximum until-the water was needed for release in dry years. Therefore, design of the flood spillway for probable maximum flood conditions will be an important consideration. Storage of high flows to reduce the peak outflow could not be counted on. 13. We bel ieve that Elkhead Creek Reservoir is an advantageous site for emer- gency storage from water right and physical water availability considerations. The reservoir is relatively close to the Yampa River diversion poi.nt, and transport losses will be minimized. Under present water use in the Yampa River basin, Elkhead Creek Reservoir should be able to fill in two consecutive dry years to meet the 90-day release requirement of 4, iOO acre-feet or 8,170 acre- feet for the two alternate power plants. Future water conditions of the Yampa River will greatly decrease the storage abil ity of Elkhead Creek Reservoir if either the Juniper or Great Northern projects are completed. Physical depletion of water to the Juniper project is possible from upstream projects, with potential harm to Elkhead Creek Reservoir storage. It is quite I ikely that if a significant number of these large projects were completed a storage release would not be possible in Elkhead Creek Reser- voir in the second year of a two-year dry period. The first dry year release would have emptied the reservoir and storage would not be allowed in the second dry year. To provide for a release in the second dry year, a larger reservoir than presently planned would be needed. Additional information concerning the intent and feasibil ity of the Juniper and Great Northern projects for actual completion would be important to examine at this time.