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. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF RECLAMATION REGION 7, DENVER, COLORADO CONCLUDING REPORT CACHE LA POUDRE UNIT, COLORADO July 1966 . PART I--INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY BACKGROUND This concluding report summarizes the results and findings of uncompieted feasibility investigations on the Cache la Poudre Unit, Colorado, . A Reconnaissance Report dated February 1963 presented a comprehensive plan of development which included two storage dams and reservoirs, two hydroelectric powerplants, one power forebay, one power afterbay, one diversion dam, conduits, transmission lines, &nd substations, The principal function of that plan of development would have been the production of peaking power with one 24,oOO-kw, plant operating at a 20,4 percent load factor and a larger 250,OOO-kw. plant operating at a 7.2 percent load factor. Eighty percent of the project cost would be allocated to commercial power with the remainder of the costs allocated to the associated functions of municipal and industrial water supply, supplemental irrigation water supply, flood control, fish and wildlife, and recreation, Although the reconnaissance plan appeared to hold promise of economic justification and financial feasibility, serious questions were raised concerning the market for the peaking power within the confines of Reclamation law and policy, Accordingly, approval for subsequent feasibility investigations was limited to a possible first-stage development consisting of the Idylwilde Dam and Reservoir only with minimum provisions to permit the possible future inclusion of power. SUMMARY Feasibility investigations of the Idylwilde Dam and Reservoir only, without power, were initiated in September 1963. The initial activities comprised engineering and hydrology studies, As these studies progressed it became apparent that further agricultural studies and land classification would not be required, . j