WSP07901

• File Number: 8240.200.30.B
• Description: UCRBRIP Instream Flows
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 1/1/1996
• Author: CWCB
• Title: Instream Flow Water Rights for Endangered Fishes in Colorado
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

1995 ISF Water Rights
Applications - An Overview

The CWCB decided on December 13, 1995 to
appropriate new water rights for instream flows to
protect the natural environment for the benefit of
federally protected endangered fish species in the
Yampa and Colorado Rivers. The CWCB took this
action and water right applications have been filed in
the appropriate water courts in accordance with
Colorado's instream flow law (37-92-102(3) C.R.S.).

. Two stream reaches will be protected: the Yampa
River downstream of Craig and the Colorado River
upstream of Grand Junction.

. The new fights will be junior in priority to all
.existing water supplies and conditional decrees.

. "Base Flow Water Rights" in each reach will
limit future impacts to the endangered species and
their habitat during low flow conditions.

. "Carve Outs" for future development of new
consumptive uses are protected.

. "Recovery Flow Water Rights" in each reach will
protect the flows in excess of the Carve Outs as the
first step in a long-tenn effort to "mimic the uatural
hydrograph."

. A "Modifiable Portion" of the Recovery Flow
Water Rights, which may be added to the Carve
Outs as needed to lIC(;ommodate additional
development, has been identified to assure that the
people of Colorado will not be deprived of the
beneficial use of waters available by interstate
compacts.

. Tenns and conditions will be developed during the
water court proceedings as issues are resolved.

FOR MORE INFO, contact Chuck Lile or Peter
Evans at the CWCB (phone [phone]).

"15 Mile Reach" of the
Colorado River (mainstem)

. 15 mile segment between Palisade (Grand
Valley Irrigation Co. diversion) and Grand
Junction (confluence with the Gunnison
Idver)

. Base Flow Water Right will range from a
low of 680 cfs in September to a high of
2000 cfs in May and June

. Carve Out for future development includes
100,000 acre feet of additional
consumptive uses, and will be distributed
on a monthly or seasonal basis to assure its
utility

. Recovery Flow Water Right will include
all remaining flows in excess of the Carve
Out

. Modifiable Portion of the Recovery Flow
Water Right includes an additional
300,000 acre feet, which may be added to
the Carve Out for future development even
if other Recovery Program participants
withhold their consent

Yampa River

. 82 rnile segment between the confluence
of the Williams Fork (almost ten miles
SW of Craig) to the confluence with the
Little Snake River

. Base Flow Water Right will range from a
low of 88 cfs in September and October to
a high of 1200 cfs in May

. Carve Out for future development includes
52,000 acre feet of additional consumptive
uses, and will be distributed on a monthly
or seasonal basis to assure its utility

. Recovery Flow Water Right will include
all remaining flows in excess of the Carve
Out

. Modifiable Portion of the Recovery Flow
Water Right includes an additional 72,000
acre feet, which may be added to the
Carve Out for future development even if
other Recovery Program participants
withhold their consent

. The CWCB will work with other water
interests to identify an appropriate
augmentation source to avoid unnecessary
complication of the permittingfot small
capacity wells