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<br />001616 <br /> <br />C~f1..I\ <br />si~ <br /> <br />ARKANSAS RIVER BRIEFING OlJTLINE <br /> <br />1. Arkansas Basin Description. The basin can be essential divided into 5 reaches for issues <br />of concern to Colorado. <br /> <br />A. Upper or Arkansas headwaters: From above Leadville (Tennessee and Fremont <br />Passes) to Pueblo Reservoir, approx, 175nu1es. <br /> <br />1. Characteristics+ <br />o drainage area in reach = 4500 square miles ...,',,), '::"\. ! i'':'j'' ,:,:' -r <br />o irrigated acres = 60,000 :}'yr.:H"" 'a'~~ '" 0..,')0, t\- <br />o average flow (1939-52 and 1974-90) = 570;000 AF . , ". ~ 10) 'c' <br />o extensive system of transmountain imports from .... '. '. .' <br />Blue River and Roaring Fork River via Homestake, TW{J;1 Lake, Bousted, <br />Busk-Ivanhoe Tunnels and others, capacities exceed 150,000 AF/yr. <br />(Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Aurora, SECWCD) <br /> <br />2. Issues (see below) <br />o headwaters park BLM/DPOR - rafting flows v. fishing flows, Trout <br />Unlimited lawsuit and settlement <br />o water quality problems - heavy metals from mine drainage <br /> <br />B. Middle Arkansas: Pueblo Reservoir to John MartinReservoir (JMR) Las Animas, <br />approx. 100 miles <br /> <br />1. Characteristics <br />o Water Districts 14 & 17 <br />o drainage area in reach = 10,000 sq. mi. <br />o irrigated acres = 350,000 <br />o average flow (1940-73) = 147,000 Af(before Pueblo Res.) <br />(1975-90) = 182,500 AF <br />o principal tributaries in ryach: Fountain Creek, 5t.Charles River, Huerfano <br />River, Apishapa River, Timpas. Creek c' <br />o Major Diversions: Colorado Canal, Cattin, Ft: Lyon. Holbrook, Rocky Fo'rd <br />Highline, Otero, Oxford Farmers <br />o Purgatorie River enters at bottom of reach just above JMR. and is separately <br />described below <br /> <br />2. Issues <br />o Conversion of agricultural rights to municipal uses and out of basin transfers <br />- dry up of irrigated acreage, erosion, revegetation <br />- economic impacts on community - Crowley County <br />- Ft. Lyons sale <br />o High transit losses, phreatophyte encroachment <br />