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<br />and velocity measurements were not taken at high flows during the study, impressions of biologists <br />experienced with the Upper Colorado River Basin were that the hydrology over the diversion <br />structure was less extreme than that of many natural or manmade features found within the <br />migrational range of the Colorado squawfish. Easy downstream navigation of the structure in a <br />motorized Jon boat during Trip 1 and 2 was reflective of the hydrology. <br /> <br />Depth and velocity measurements taken in various features of the structure during low flows <br />indicate that these parameters were suitable for passage of fish in either direction over the structure. <br />Radiotagged Colorado squawflSh have been observed utilizing velocities of up to 1.93 mls in the <br />Colorado River and velocities in suspected egg depositional areas for Colorado squawflSh in the <br />Green and the Yampa Rivers have been measured as high as 1.49 mls (Valdez et al. 1987). Average <br />velocities measured in the structure during low flows of 1.4 mls appear to be well within a suitable <br />range for the species. Depths measured in the structure are also within the range utilized by the <br />species. <br /> <br />BIOIWEST's measurements of depth and velocities associated with the grade control structures <br />were within the range of those projected for the structure by FLO Engineering Inc (Pers. Comm., <br />J. O'Brien, FLO Engineering). Based on results of HEC-2 analysis, at a flow of 200 cfs, mean <br />velocity through the structure was estimated at 1.22 mls. Mean velocities though the structure <br />(measurement locations 1,3 and 5) measured by BIOIWEST were 1.5 mls. The water velocity at the <br />base of the vertical overfall was estimated at 2.13 mls for a flow of 200 cfs. This compares to a mean <br />velocity of 2.23 mls measured by BIOIWEST (measurement locations 2,4 and 6 on Figure 2). Depth <br />measured in the center of the fISh passage notch was 0.43 meters as compared to 0.6 meters projected <br />by FLO. It must be noted again that flow used by BIOIWEST for this study was based on gaging <br />information taken from the USGS gage at near Craig, Colorado and does not reflect the true <br />discharge through the structure at the time of the measurements. Additionally, assumptions made <br />by FLO Engineering in the formulation of projected depth and velocities regarding flow <br />configurations through the structure and design conditions need to be considered for a detailed <br />evaluation of real versus projected parameters in the structure. BIOIWEST presents this information <br />only for the purpose of indicating that the structure appears to be reasonably conforming to projected <br />performance. BIOIWEST believes that the overall design and construction of the City of Craig's <br />Yampa River control structure is suitable to provide unimpeded fish passage at all flows observed <br />during this study. <br /> <br />It is speculated that at times when flows in the Yampa River reach a critical low, fish passage <br />is likely to be inhibited by numerous natural features, i.e. "critical riffles", and several manmade <br />features below Craig. The impact of the Craig diversion on overall movement of large migratory fISh, <br />although possibly significant on a local level, would not likely significantly affect movement system <br />wide. Since the structure is designed to concentrate or funnel all the flow through a narrow opening, <br />it is speculated that fish passage would be easier though the structure than through other natural <br />barriers created by shallow cobble bars within the study area. Velocities through the fish passage <br />notch are projected to decrease at lower flows. Documentation of fish movement over the structure <br />at velocities associated with higher flows suggests that velocities through the structure at lower flows <br />would not prevent fish passage. <br /> <br />Two other diversion structures on the Yampa River were visited by BIOIWEST biologists for <br />purposes of comparison. These included a temporary dike structure located approximately 5 miles <br />upstream of Craig, Colorado and a larger, semi-permanent rock control structure located at the head <br /> <br />26 <br />