WSP05944

• File Number: 8276.300
• Description: Lower Gunnison Basin Unit - Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Project
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 4
• Date: 9/1/1981
• Title: Final Report of the Lower Gunnison Salinity Control Study
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

POTENTIAL FOR ONFARM IRRIGATION IMPROVEMENTS TO REDUCE SALINITY
LOWER GUNNISON SALINITY CONTROL STUDY, COLORADO

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item

Page

I. Summary
Recommendations for Implementation

1
5

II. Introduction
Authority for Investigation
Purpose and Objectives
Scope of Study
Study Coordination
Irrigation Management Scheduling
Description of Plan Formulation
Levels of System Improvements
Levels of Improvement
Economic Analysis
Onfarm Benefits
Downstream Benefits
Other Benefits
Principles and Standards

6
6
6
7
8
8
9
12
12
14
14
14
15
15

III. Setting
Location
Physiography and Geology
History and Archaeology
Climate
Water Supply
Land Resources
Wildlife Resources
Social and Economic Characteristics
Present Land and Water Uses

16
16
16
17
17
19
19
19
22
24

IV. Problems and Needs
His torical
Salinity Problems in the Lower Gunnison Unit
Salt Loading
Erosion and Sediment
Water Supply Management
Water Budget Analysis

27
27
28
31
31
31
31

V. Plan Formulation and the Alternative Plans 35
Off-farm Lateral Improvements 38
Plan Formulation 39
Plan One -.Continuation of Ongoing Programs 40
Plan Two - Improved Irrigation Water Management - 43
Minimum Level - 55,900 acres
Plan Three - Onfarm Ditch Lining - Minimum Level - 35,800 acres 46
Plan Four - Irrigation Water Management and Onfarm Ditch 48
Lining - Minimum Level - 43,800 acres
Plan Five - Irrigation Water Management and Onfarm Ditch 50
Lining - Maximum Level - 41,400 acres () 0 C 8 ~ ~