WSP01413

• File Number: 8220.122.A
• Description: Paonia Project
• State: CO
• Basin: Gunnison
• Water Division: 4
• Date: 6/12/1947
• Title: Paonia Project Colorado ‎(Senate Document No. 61)‎
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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PAONIA paOJECTj COLORADO

valley has been taken into account as well as additional irrigation
use. At the present time, domestic and industrial use of water in the
valley is small. However, with expansion of irrigation as provided
for by the projE)ct and due to a possible increase in coal-mining activity
in the North Fork coal fields, it is desirable that a reserve of storage
water be provided for in developing the Spring Creek site. The unit
cost pet acre-foot of capacity decreases with increases in total reservoir
capacity. The water supply available for storage at the Spring
Creek site in all years is in excess of the contemplated capacity of the
reservoir. From the best information available, it has been con-
cluded that 4,000 acre-feet of reserve capacity should be provided
for in the Spring Creek Reservoir with such capacity to be retained
by the United States and sold as the need for its use develops in the
North Fork River Valley.

Fire Mountain canal enlargement and extension
The Fire Mountain canal for its present entire length of 30~ miles
will be enlarged, with the appurtenant structures reconstructed and
enlarged, and a 3.3-mile extension to the canal west of Leroux Creek
will be made. Except for small changes in alinement and grade, the
reconstructed canal will follow the present location. Capacity will
be provided in accordance with the acreage of land to be served,
starting with a capacity of 165 second-feet at the head and reducing
to 10 second-feet at the end of the extension. The present capacity
at the head is 80 second-feet. Construction of a diversion dam on
the North Fork River for diverting to the canal is not recommended.
The present practice of seasonally placing a rock barrier across the
. river for diversion of water to the canal headgate has proven to be
both practical and inexpensive to the irrigators.

Overland canal enlargement
Work proposed for the Overland canal involves the enlargement of
2.82 miles of the lower section of the present canal diverting from
Leroux Creek. The upper section of this canal, as now constructed,
includes .anumber of drops. This upper section will be abandoned
and 1,330 feet of new canal will be constructed from the bank of
Leroux Creek to connect with the enlarged lower section of the canal.
The section of canal to be enlarged has a suitable grade and only
small changes in alinement will be necessary. Diversion capacity
of the canal will be increased from its present capacity of about 70
second-feet to 140 second-feet. A new permanent diversion dam will
not be required.

. Possibilities for multiple project use
The project will serve primarily for irrigation but will have inci-
dental value for flood control. Benefits from both irrigation and
flood control are shown in the next portion. Other possible uses of
the project, however, have been considered. Erratic stream flow
makes the North Fork River unattractive for the production of
hydroelectric power. River regulation for the development of
power in connection with the Spring Creek Reservoir would be
uneconomical due to the high cost of such regulation.
The project will have comparatively little effect on present fish and
wildlife values. The net effect, however, will be favorable. East
Muddy Creek, below and in the vicinity of the Spring Creek Reservoir
site, is not populated with fish due to the roily water condition during

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