WSP00497

• File Number: 8443.400
• Description: Narrows Project - Reports
• State: CO
• Basin: South Platte
• Water Division: 1
• Date: 8/1/1966
• Author: US DoI BoR
• Title: Narrows Unit Colorado South Platte Division Missouri River Basin Project Appendix II - Hydrology
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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CRAPI'ER 2

GENERAL

The purpose of the study in this appendix is to determine the
water supply that has been available historically to the irrigation
ditches and ditch companies operating in the area, to determine the
extent of the shortages, and to evaluate the supplemental water supply
that may be made available by the plans being considered. Other as-
pects of the studies which are discussed in this appendix are flood
control, sediment control, quality of water, water rights, drainage,
and power.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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Valuable information and assistance were obtained from Federal
and State agencies, including the U. S. Geological Survey, Corps of
Engineers, Fish and Wildlife Service, Public Health Service, Colorado
State Engineer's office, Colorado Water Conservation Board, and
Colorado State University. Other helpful assistance and information
were obtained from officials of ditches and ditch systems in the
project area and from the Lower South Platte Water Conservancy
District.

LOCATION

The Narrows Unit is located in the northeastern part of Colorado
in the downstream half of the South Platte River Valley. This unit will
serve irrigable lands which are presently served by canals diverting
from the South Platte River between the Narrows Dam site which is
7~ miles northwest of Fort Morgan, Colorado, to the Colorado-Nebraska
State line. Parts of Morgan, Logan, Washington and Sedgwick Counties
are included in the Unit. The principal towns are Fort Morgan,
Brush, Sterling and Julesburg.

HISTORY OF IRRIGATION DEVELCFMENT

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The development of agricultural irrigation in the South Platte
Basin was mostly on lands adjacent to the South Platte River and its
tributaries near the emergence of these streams from the mountains.
This was due to the more stable flows in the streams at this point.
Rainfall was greater in the lower South Platte Valley than nearer the
mountains; however, irrigation was still required for dependable
crop production. Early development along the up strea.'1'. tributaries

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