WSP05206

• File Number: 8111.600
• Description: ARCA Annual Reports
• Basin: Arkansas
• Date: 12/9/1952
• Author: ARCA
• Title: Fourth Annual Report Arkansas River Compact Administration for the Year 1952
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Annual Report

(b) During the period covered by this report the Administration
has had the benefit of excellent cooperation from all agencies
and officials referred to in the above provisions of the Compact.
The United States Geological Survey has proceeded with the
establishment and operation of Compact gaging stations. an
activity which is covered in detail in Paragraph 8 of this report.
The United States Geological Survey has also continued the
compilation of hydrologic data which are presented in this
report and which have been utilized in the administration of
the Compact. The Corps of Engineers has continued to oper'
ate John Martin Reservoir in accordance with the provisions
of the Compact. The Corps of Engineers made a sediment
survey and established new area-capacity tables for John Mu-
tin Reservoir.

7. Water Supply, Reserooir Operation alld Hydrologic Data

The Compact year considered in this report, beginning on Novem-
ber I, 1951, commenced with 22,800 acre-feet of water in storage in
the John Martin Reservoir. The third successive exceedingly dry winter
period resulted in the accumulation of additional water in the reservoir
only to the extent of 28,900 acre-feet. At the end of the winter stor-
age season on March 31, 1952, the amount of water impounded in the
reservoir was 51,700 acre-feet. This was the smallest quantity in the
reservoir for that time of year since the Compact has been in effect.
The outlook at that time, nevertheless, rtppeared rather favorable based
on reports of surveys indicating marc than twice the normal amount of
snow in the watershed. The indicated water supply, however. failed
to materialize. The combined discharge of the Arkansas and Purga-
toire rivers near Las Animas amounted to 107,790 acre' feet during the
irrigation season from April 1, 195'2 to October 31, 1952. This was
only slightly less than for the same period in the preceding year. Nearly
40 per cent of it occurred during the month of June and about 50 per
cent after that time.
Releases from the reservoir were begun on April 7, 1952, and con-
tinued until May 31, 195'2. Demands to meet Colorado needs were
continuous throughout this period while, because of rains, Kansas de-
mands for water at the State line did not require additional releases for
periods from April 22 to 26, and from April 30 to May 10. At mid.
night on May 12, 1952, the water remaining in the reservoir amounted
to 20,200 acre' feet. At a special meeting of the Administration on
May 13, 1952 the Operations Committee reported that it estimated the
reservoir would be empty by May 27, 1952. Based upon this estimate
action was taken as reported in Paragraph 9 below. On May 31, 1952,
the administration of decreed rights of water users in Colorado reverted
to the office of the State Engineer of Colorado. As a result of action
by all interests concerned, there was left by common consent a pool
of 1,170 acre. feet at elevation 3779 for the preservation of fish in the
reservoir. This pool fluctuated between 2,420 acre,feet as"J. maximum
and 750 acre-feet as a minimum. Efforts to maintain the fish pool sub~
sequently prcscnted questions of jurisdiction as to operation of the

8