WSP00550

• File Number: 8149.660
• Description: Miscellaneous Small Projects and Project Studies - Highland Breaks Watershed
• State: CO
• Basin: Arkansas
• Water Division: 2
• Date: 11/9/1988
• Author: Unknown
• Title: Arkansas River Basin - Canal and Lateral Loss Coefficients
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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November 9. 1988

MEMORANDUM

TO:
SUBJECT:

File

Arkansas River Basin. Canal and Lateral Loss Coefficients

Introduction

Enclosed herein is documentation of the approach used to estimate ditch and lateral loss
coefficients.

Objective

Based on the analysis of available data describing Canal and Lateral Loss (BEC. June 6, 1988
revised November 9, 1988) a non-linear equation was selected to estimate canal loss while a
constant percent was selected to estimate lateral loss. The form of the canal loss equation is as
follows:

q

=

aQb

, I
I

where

=

average monthly ditch loss (cfs/mi)
average monthly ditch diversion (cfs)
coefficients

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q
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=

a,b

=

This memorandum describes the approach used to estimate the canal loss equation's
coefficients a and b and the percent of diversions less canal loss that results in lateral loss.

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Summary

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Table 1 presents the ditch loss coefficients developed for the major canal systems in the
Arkansas River Basin. These coefficients were developed using a trial and error approach since
field data is generally unavailable. The trial and error approach made use of diversion records
from 1940 to 1985 and estimates of canal lengths and canal losses reported in decrees,
engineering studies and ditch company interviews (Table 2). Table 2 is the same as that
presented in earlier memorandums (BEC, June 6, 1988 revised November 9, 1988) and has

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