WSP00697

• File Number: 8200.750
• Description: San Juan River General
• State: CO
• Basin: San Juan/Dolores
• Water Division: 7
• Date: 3/1/1960
• Author: Clifford H Jex
• Title: Report on Stream Depletion of the San Juan River Basin in Colorado - March 1960
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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003256

ANll1AS - LaPLATA DIVISION

Location and Description

The Animas-LaPlata Division includes the drainage basins of the Animas

River and the LaPlata River in Colorado. Analysis of water use in the Florida

River Basin tributary to the Animas near the Colorado-New Mexico State line is

discussed as a separate division of this report.

The Animas River originates on the south slope of the San Juan Range in

San Juan County, Colorado. The watershed is high with a number of peaks

extending to elevations over 14,000 feet. Water yield is also high. The

river runs in a general southerly direction to join the San Juan in New

Mexico twenty-six miles below the Colorado-New Mexico State line.

The LaPlata River heads on the south slope of the LaPlata Mountains in

LaPlata County, Colorado. Watershed peaks extend to elevations of about

12,000 feet. The river runs in a southerly direction to join the San Juan

in New Mexico twenty-two miles below the Colorado-New Mexico State line.

The main Animas and its principal tributaries carry a surplus of water

all seasons of the year. The LaPlata River is fully used for irrigation.

Very little natural watershed runoff enters either river below the State

line. Stream depletion in New Mexico is greatly in excess of the runoff

originating in that State.

Direct flow of streams of the Animas River is generally in excess of

irrigation requirements. ' Reservoir storage is limited to fish lakes develop-

ment and water regulation for the generation of hydroelectric power. Runoff

of the LaPlata River is regulated for irrigation use by one reservoir with a

capacity of 1,176 acre feet.

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