WSP03321 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

OG15 ;, it id';1: sq 'I' -"",- Fryingpan-Arkansas Project 7 Ml. Elbert Forebay Dam and Reservoir to a 14-story building, althougb most of tbe structure is below ground. Power is generated from water stored in the Mt. Elbert Forebay. The water drops through the penstocks an average of 445 feet, spinning each of two 138,000 horse- power hydroelectric turbine-generators and developing 200,000 kilowatts of electrical power. To supplement the flow-through water received from Turquoise Lake through the Mt. Elbert Conduit, these generators have been designed to operate as a 170,000- horsepower electric motor which drives the turbines in reverse, and pumps the same water back up to refill the forebay. This pumping mode normally will be used dur- ing the very early morning hours, when power demands are low and surplus low-rate power is received from other generating stations. This pump~back storage principle is advantageous since the generating units can be started quickly and adjustments of power output can be made rapidly to respond to varying patterns of daily and seasonal power demands. DEVELOPMENT Early History The eastern slope area of the project north of the Arkan. sas River was a part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The remainder of the basin was claimed by Texas follow- ing the war with Mexico. Mexican claims to the territory were relinquished in 1845 when Texas entered the Union. The project area was visited by various Spanish explorers during 1760-80. The first official exploration by the United States was made in 1806-07 by Lieutenant Zebulon Pike. Later explorations were directed by Cap- tain John C. Fremont and Captain John W. Gunnison. The first permanent settlements were not established un- til after the discovery of gold in 1859-61. With the min- ing boom came immigrants who turned to agriculture to supply foodstuffs for the expanding population. Large cattle ranches appeared as the result of the cattle drives from Texas. Investigations Studies by the Bureau of Reclamation on a transmoun- tain diversion project began in 1936. Intensive investiga- tion started in 1941 resulted in a potential planning report in 1947 and 1948, followed by a special report in 1949 and official recommendations in 1951. A revised planning report under the name Fryingpan- Arkansas Project in 1953 led to congressional approval of the project. In September 1959, a report that sup- plemented House Document No. 187, 83d Congress, 1st session, recommended Ruedi Dam and Reservoir instead of the previously recommended Aspen Dam and Reservoir. Authorization Construction of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project was authorized by Public Law 87-590 (77 Stat. 393) signed by the President on August 16, 1962. Construction Construction began with Ruedi Dam and Reservoir in 1964, and numerous project features are completed or under construction. Initial project water for irrigation and municipal and industrial use was available in Sep- tember 1975. Power was delivered from the first unit (100,000 kilowatts) in October 1981. An additional 100,000 kilowatt.. is scheduled to be available in 1984. Initial project municipal and industrial water delivery to Colorado Springs and towns of the F ountain Valley is scheduled for 1982. Operating Agencies The Bureau of Reclamation operates and maintains the dams and reservoirs. The recreation and fish and wildlife facilities and resources at Ruedi Reservoir and Turquoise Lake are managed by the Forest Service. At Pueblo Dam and Reservoir, these facilities and resources are under the management of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.